Podcasts about Dalhousie University

 Halifax Part 1 of 2  Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast.  Find my book series on the website​​ at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It's a several-part series. Today's destination is Halifax,  Nova Scotia, Canada. Part 1 of 2 Eastern Canada is understated. This episode is about what I actually did there in August 2025, as a solo woman traveler. Halifax surprised me. It is a harbor city, a university city, a military city, a cruise-ship city, and a place where history seems to rise from the water. One of the first things I noticed is that Halifax is surrounded by water. The harbor is not just scenery. It is part of the city's identity. Ships, ferries, kayaks, cruise passengers, navy vessels, and waterfront walkers all share the same sense of place. So I walked, I spent a lot of time along the waterfront. There was music, people eating outside, and a lively summer feeling. I was there around August 4, which was a holiday, and I ate poutine at the buskers' event. Poutine was new to me. It is French fries with cheese curds and gravy, topped with ketchup. It was a different flavor for me, and that is part of travel: trying something even when you are not sure it will become your favorite. Halifax has a strong maritime history, and I visited the Maritime Museum. That was one of the highlights. I learned more about the Halifax Explosion of December 6, 1917, when two ships collided in the harbor. The explosion was enormous — often described as the world's largest pre-atomic explosion. I heard that the anchor landed miles away, the water was displaced, and a tsunami followed. The next day, there was a blizzard. That story stayed with me because it showed how much tragedy this city has survived. The Maritime Museum also connects you to other parts of Halifax history, including shipyards, dockyards, and the city's role as a port. If you are a first-time visitor, this is a good place to start because it helps you understand why Halifax matters. Immigration museum https://pier21.ca/ Look up your family history here, including whether you have US relatives. It had a 15-minute wait, but it was free. I also visited the Citadel, up on the hill. I spent about two hours there learning about the military and cultural changes in the area. It was informative, and I am glad I made the climb. Halifax has hills, so wear good walking shoes. You may think you are just going "up the hill to the museum," but your legs will know you are in a real city with elevation. Another special experience was my kayak tour around St. George's Island. It was a two-and-a-half-hour tour, and we learned about tunnels and armaments from the time when the British were responsible for the harbor's defense and security. It was expensive, but I was really glad I did it. Sometimes a higher-cost experience is worth it because it gives you a memory you would not get any other way. I also made time for beauty and quiet. I took bus number 1 to the Public Gardens, and they were beautiful. The main gate is near South Park Street and Spring Garden Road. That area is a good part of the city to explore. I wandered, took buses, and let myself explore different parts of Halifax rather than staying in just one tourist zone. One morning, I went swimming at the Centennial Pool at 8:30 AM. The water was chilly, but not freezing, and I swam for about 45 minutes. It felt fantastic. I love finding ordinary things in a new city — a public pool, a bus route, a grocery store, a coffee shop — because those places help me feel less like a tourist and more like a temporary resident. I noticed Tim Hortons everywhere. Strong coffee, bathrooms, and big business. For a traveler, especially one moving around by bus, knowing where you can get coffee and find a bathroom matters. I rode public buses and appreciated that they announced the next street before arriving. That was helpful when I was trying to figure out where I was going. At one point, I jumped on a 10C bus, not completely sure where it was going, but I was on South Park Street and Spring Garden Road and seeing more of Halifax. That is one of my travel styles: I like to wander, but I also pay attention. I passed St. Mary's University, Dalhousie University, Gorsebrook Park on Inglis Street, and other neighborhoods. Halifax has a strong student presence, which gives parts of the city energy. Quinpool Road felt like a main drag for shops. I also hopped at the Mic Mac Mall. I went to the Art Gallery, where Maud Lewis's paintings are an important draw. I saw Point Pleasant Park, one of my favorite parts of the city, especially around Young Avenue. Halifax has one gated street with six houses on the ocean, and that area felt peaceful and special. Point Pleasant Park also carries reminders of storms and resilience. I heard about a hurricane in 2010 that downed a huge number of trees. Nature is beautiful here, but also powerful. I also visited downtown Halifax, including St. Paul's Anglican Church, the city's oldest building, dating back to 1749. It is close to downtown and gives you a sense of how old Halifax is by North American standards. A few small details stayed with me. Some red traffic lights in Nova Scotia were square. The city has a Commons area for winter skating at the Emera Oval. There is an armory, the Scotiabank Center for events, cruise ships at the harbor, Irving gas stations, and a pretty waterfront at night. I even saw or heard about Theodore the Tugboat, which brought a lighter, cheerful side to the harbor. My food experiences included fish and chips, scallops, clams, poutine, and outdoor eating. I remember Olive and Rudy, scallops and clams, and the pleasure of eating outside when the weather is right. Halifax is a good place for seafood and simple travel meals. One day, I had a ham sandwich, an apple, a pear, an orange, and toast. That helped me manage costs while spending money on experiences. My caution for listeners: someone mentioned the "Dome" neighborhood as a place with many bars and a possible recipe for a bar fight. I would say this more gently: as a solo traveler, especially at night, be aware of nightlife districts. You do not have to avoid fun, but you do need to know your surroundings. The shownote includes a link to crime mapping in Halifax. https://www.halifax.ca/safety-security/police/crime-mapping   My mistake for this episode: assuming Halifax would be only a small waterfront stop. It was much more layered than that. My lesson: Halifax is not just a pretty Canadian harbor. It is a city of resilience, history, students, seafood, public spaces, and water views. Next up will be Part 2 of 2 on Halifax.    Travel Mistakes  My mistake for this episode: assuming Halifax would be only a small waterfront stop. It was much more layered than that. My travel tip: take the buses, walk the waterfront, and do at least one water-based experience — a ferry, harbor cruise, or kayak tour.     AI was used to select some of the suggestions for this episode.   Connect with Dr. Travelbest 5 Steps to Solo Travel website Dr. Mary Travelbest X Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok Dr.Travelbest on YouTube In the news  

Guest host Rob Fai spoke to Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Head of the Agri-Foods Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, AKA The Food Professor about Food safety needs an AI upgrade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest host Rob Fai spoke to Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Head of the Agri-Foods Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, AKA The Food Professor about Food safety needs an AI upgrade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recorded live on the final day of SIAL Canada, this bonus episode of The Food Professor brings hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois face to face with Jacques Duhaime, owner of Duhaime Gourmet — a Quebec fruit-spread and jam company that Sylvain has wanted on the show for years. The conversation traces four generations of agricultural evolution in Saint-Germain, near Drummondville, Quebec, and shows how a small dairy farm became one of Canada's most distinctive low-sugar jam and fruit-spread producers. Jacques walks listeners through the company's origin story: founded in 1945 as a dairy farm by his grandfather, expanded into orchards and vegetables by his father in 1948, and refocused entirely on produce after the dairy herd was sold in 1960. Jacques took over the farm from his parents in 1981, when the operation was running roughly 200 acres of vegetables. A tough vegetable market in 1995 pushed the family toward jam-making, and a pursuit of naturally low-sugar recipes led Jacques back to school at ITA to develop the reduced-sugar techniques that still define the brand today. A pivotal trip with Groupe Export in 2000 opened the door to Japan, where Duhaime Gourmet's low-sugar spreads found immediate demand — at a time when the company already supplied roughly 400 boutique stores across Quebec. The business went on to export to the United States for a decade, supplying jams, spreads, and fruit pairings for cheese, while also building a substantial private-label business across Quebec, Canada, and Japan. Jacques also opens up about the structure of the business today: the orchard remains family-owned and is now run by his son, marking a fifth generation on the land, while the processing side of Duhaime Gourmet was sold roughly a year ago to Bertrand Marquis, a fellow Saint-Germain entrepreneur who previously worked in the wood industry. Jacques reflects candidly on international trade shows — from an early appearance at a golf show in Dubai to lessons learned about race-to-the-bottom pricing in that market — and on how the company's trade show schedule has grown from roughly 10 shows a year before the pandemic to as many as 30–40 today. The episode closes on Duhaime Gourmet's newest product: a 90%-fruit spread sweetened with just 10% organic sugar, containing less than three grams of sugar and no pectin — a launch aimed at diabetics, families, and babies alike, debuting in strawberry rhubarb and headed for Metro shelves soon. A warm, detail-rich conversation for anyone interested in Quebec food manufacturing, family business succession, food innovation, and insights into global trade show strategy in the specialty food sector. https://www.duhaimegourmet.com/en/ About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

In this episode of The Voice of Retail podcast, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with one of retail technology's most accomplished leaders: Julie Averill, former Chief Information Officer of Lululemon and REI, and author of the new book Chief Impact Officer: Real Transformation Comes from Human, Not Just Artificial Intelligence. Joining the conversation is Menachem Salinas, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Nimble, the expert AI web search platform making live web data enterprise-grade. A self-described "serial retail technologist," Julie's career spans the defining chapters of modern retail technology. She spent a decade at Nordstrom leading pioneering omnichannel initiatives, drove a technology transformation as CIO of REI, and then took a leap to a then-$2 billion company called Lululemon — where, over eight years as CIO, she helped power the brand's growth to $10 billion. Today, she runs her own advisory business focused on enterprise AI adoption, and her new book makes the case that real transformation comes from people, not just technology. Drawing on years of parsing signal from noise in the CIO chair, Julie delivers a masterclass in AI reality-checking. Her verdict on where retail stands in the AI journey? "Maybe the first inning." She argues the technology itself is now the easy part — the real reasons so many AI pilots fail are data quality, governance, workflow readiness and organizational capability. Julie shares the exact questions she asks to separate a slick demo from a solution built to survive contact with a real omnichannel operation: Whose data does this run on? What workflow actually changes, and for whom? Who owns the errors? What does this cost at scale? And she tells a cautionary tale of a board-driven AI pitch that promised everything — and why "yes, we can do everything" is the surest sign of an immature vendor. Julie also maps the future of the CIO role itself: from technology gatekeeper to curious, strategic business enabler. With AI tools now arriving through the browser, control is gone — the new job is curation, education and helping executives tell what's real. The businesses that win, she argues, will be the ones that learn to evolve continuously and dream about what was previously impossible. Menachem Salinas adds the vendor-side perspective, explaining how Nimble delivers real-time competitive pricing, digital shelf monitoring and out-of-stock intelligence across thousands of retail sites — and why he believes agentic commerce will transform e-commerce within twelve months. His candid ShopTalk Barcelona assessment: even the world's biggest brands rate no better than five out of ten on AI data readiness. Julie's book Chief Impact Officer is available now everywhere books are sold. Learn more at julieaverill.com and nimbleway.com. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Leave us a voicemail!Zazie and Kristi chat with scientist Dr. Catherine Reeve about her research to find out whether dogs change their behaviour when their owner is pregnant and if they can use their noses to detect when someone is stressed.We talked about:The survey that investigated whether women think their dog's behaviour changed when they were pregnantThe kinds of dogs that were most likely to show changesHow the scientists got scent samples from people who were stressedThe training to teach dogs to alert to the scentHow well the dogs did at the taskThe implications for ordinary dog guardiansThe papers we talked about are:Dog owners' perceptions of their dog's behaviour during pregnancy https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08927936.2025.2502241Dogs can discriminate between human baseline and psychological stress condition odours https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0274143The books Catherine recommended are The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Bruce Perry and The Unworthy by Agustina Bazterrica.Also mentioned: Earlier episodes on surveys and understanding research (Ep61), and on dogs and scent work (Ep56 with Melissa McCue-McGrath; Ep 46 with Bonnie Hartney; Ep35 with Kim Cooper and Cat Warren).Dr. Catherine Reeve is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Mount Saint Vincent University. She has a PhD in Experimental Psychology from Dalhousie University. She's interested in applied canine behaviour, canine cognition, especially olfaction, and human-animal interaction. And she's the head trainer at Epic Tails Canine Adventures in Halifax, Nova Scotia.University website: https://www.msvu.ca/academics/bachelor-of-science-bsc/psychology/faculty-and-staff/dr-catherine-reeve/Epic Tails Canine Adventures: https://epic-tails.ca/Support the showAbout the co-hosts:Kristi Benson is an honours graduate of, and now on staff with, the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers and has her PCBC-A from the Pet Professional Accreditation Board. She lives in beautiful northern British Columbia, where she helps dog guardians through online classes. She is also a northern anthropologist.Kristi Benson's website  Facebook  Zazie Todd, PhD, is the award-winning author of Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog, Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy and Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy. She is the creator of the popular blog, Companion Animal Psychology, and has a column at Psychology Today. She lives in Maple Ridge, BC, with her husband, a dog and a cat. Instagram  BlueSky 

In April 2026 the United Nations revised its worst-case climate scenarios downward and declared the most catastrophic projections highly implausible. Almost no one in Canada covered it. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and host of Canada's number one rated food podcast, has spent 25 years doing the work the room needs: holding science, policy, and politics to the same standard. In this conversation, he takes on three issues agriculture keeps being told what to think about, climate policy, gene editing, and the Canadian fear of failure, and gives the room the version it hasn't been getting.   Topics and Timestamps 0:00 -- Dan's opening question: think of one issue in agriculture you've changed your mind on in the last five years 1:30 -- "Don't Follow the Flock" -- live intro and platform housekeeping 3:00 -- Dr. Sylvain Charlebois: The Food Professor Podcast, Dalhousie, Canada's number one food podcast with zero budget 4:00 -- Ireland, Brexit, and the economic lesson Canada keeps missing about CUSMA 10:00 -- Audience poll: when you hear a strong opinion from a non-farmer, what's your first instinct? 11:00 -- Why civic engagement in food systems makes farming stronger, not weaker 13:00 -- Demand chain management: build from the consumer back, not the farm gate forward 15:00 -- How Canadian media coverage became one-sided and why it keeps getting harder to correct 22:00 -- The GTF promotion ad that was rejected -- and what that reveals 23:00 -- Topics Sylvain is asked not to raise on Ottawa stages 25:00 -- The "mini-me" problem in academia: conform, or get canceled 33:00 -- MYTH 1: Climate change -- the UN revised its worst-case scenarios downward; almost no Canadian outlet covered it 40:00 -- Carbon pricing at $110 a tonne with emissions still rising: what the data actually shows 44:00 -- MYTH 2: Gene editing -- why transparency and consumer buy-in are the one thing the industry keeps skipping 46:00 -- MYTH 3: Going broke is bad -- what a Purdue lunch table of ag entrepreneurs revealed about Canadian risk culture 49:00 -- Monette's bankruptcy, Robert Andjelic, and why Canada should treat risk-takers as a national asset 51:00 -- Ryan Bonnett's question: Sylvain's three priorities for Canadian agriculture 52:00 -- Where Canada leads the G20 in agricultural science, and where it falls short 53:00 -- CUSMA, July 1st, and what the non-renewal actually signals for investment in Canadian ag 54:00 -- Close and upcoming: Strathcona renewable diesel with Quick Dick McDick and Sean Wildman; right-to-repair tractors with Cory Doctorow   Resources Mentioned The Food Professor Podcast -- Dr. Sylvain Charlebois (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms) Episode: Interview with US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra -- on The Food Professor Podcast Agri-Food Analytics Lab -- Dalhousie University (dal.ca/agri-food-analytics-lab) Postmedia op-eds -- Dr. Sylvain Charlebois writes every two to three days (available at major Postmedia outlets) MNP / Dalhousie G20 agricultural science comparison study -- referenced in conversation, available through Agri-Food Analytics Lab   Connect with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois The Food Professor Podcast: thefoodprofessor.ca Dalhousie University Agri-Food Analytics Lab: dal.ca/agri-food-analytics-lab X / Twitter: @FoodProfessor   Connect with Growing the Future Website: growingthefuture.ca YouTube: Growing the Future Instagram: @growingthefuturepodcast  LinkedIn: Growing the Future Register for the Convergence Conference at convergence.ag and stay updated by subscribing to the Growing the Future Podcast at growingthefuturepodcast.ca.

In the Season 6 regular season finale of The Food Professor Podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois welcome Pete Hoekstra, United States Ambassador to Canada, for an exclusive and wide-ranging conversation about the future of Canada-U.S. food trade, agriculture, supply chains and North American economic cooperation. While The Food Professor Podcast isn't a political show, few relationships matter more to Canada's food economy than its partnership with the United States. Ambassador Hoekstra offers a candid look at his role representing the Trump administration in Ottawa, explains the work of a modern ambassador, and shares his perspective on the ongoing CUSMA (USMCA) review, agricultural trade priorities, supply management, cross-border investment, and strengthening North American food supply chains. The discussion explores why resilient supply chains have become a strategic priority, the importance of Canadian agricultural exports to American consumers, opportunities for future collaboration in critical minerals, energy, manufacturing and food production, and how both countries can continue building one of the world's largest and most integrated trading relationships. The conversation also tackles the Gordie Howe International Bridge, provincial restrictions on U.S. alcohol sales, touches on Canada's supply management system, and the broader outlook for Canada-U.S. relations as negotiations continue. Whether you agree or disagree with the Ambassador's positions, this thoughtful interview provides listeners with valuable insight into how the United States views its relationship with Canada and why food, agriculture and trade remain central to that partnership. Before the interview, Michael and Sylvain break down another busy week in food and agriculture news. They examine how El Niño-driven heat and drought could affect crop production and food prices, discuss the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's latest report on their crackdown on food fraud and product authenticity, review the Grocery Code of Conduct's first public report, and explore the growing global demand for dairy protein as processors struggle with whey shortages amid Canada's supply management system. The episode also covers Rhode Island's new self-checkout legislation, the ongoing Metro labour dispute in Quebec, innovative flavour marketing from Miss Vickie's, and reflects on another remarkable season of conversations with leaders from across Canada's food, retail and agriculture sectors. Thank you for joining us throughout Season 6. While our regular season concludes here, we'll continue bringing you fresh episodes recorded live from SIAL Canada in Montreal throughout the summer before returning this fall for another exciting season of The Food Professor Podcast. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

In this Encore episode of The Voice of Retail, I'm joined by James B. Smith, Founder and CEO of Rare Placement, for a wide-ranging conversation on modern leadership, executive search, and the future of talent in the retail industry. James brings an exceptional career journey to the mic, beginning in advertising with agencies like Grey and Ogilvy, moving into marketing leadership at Citibank, in leadership roles at Esquire and then Conde Nast Traveller—where he helped it become the top-performing title, even outpacing Vogue. His passion for growth and transformation led him to become a CEO, owner-operator, and eventually launch Rare Placement, a boutique executive search firm focused on personalized, human-centric talent solutions. In our conversation, James emphasizes the power of storytelling—not just for brands, but for leaders. He reveals that every candidate he's placed has gone on to become a client, a testament to his laser focus on culture fit, agility, and soft skills over just resumes. We dive into how executive hiring has changed, why modern CEOs need courage, humility, and the ability to say “I don't know,” and how COVID permanently reshaped leadership styles and expectations around flexibility and culture. James shares practical advice for current and aspiring retail leaders—from building a strong, concise personal narrative to investing in ongoing networking, not just when you're in transition. He stresses that succession planning should be an ongoing, layered strategy, and reminds executives that “people buy leaders, not logos.” We also explore the increasing importance of board roles—both fiduciary and advisory—and how executives can position themselves for these opportunities by knowing what they uniquely bring to the table. Whether you're a retail executive planning your next move, a CEO rethinking your leadership team, or a rising leader wondering how to stand out, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this episode of Around the Rheum, hosts Dr. Daniel Ennis and Dr. Janet Pope sit down with Dr. Luke Chen for a deep dive into an approach to patients presenting with hypereosinophilia. Recorded at the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA)'s 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting in Halifax, the conversation explores how hematologists, rheumatologists, allergists, infectious disease specialists, and others work together to diagnose and manage these complex disorders.Dr. Chen discusses the broad differential diagnosis behind eosinophilia — from Eosinophilic Granulomatosus with Polyangiitis (EGPA) and IgG4-related disease to parasitic infections to rare hematologic disorders to 'Idiopathic' Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (I-HES) — and the uncertainty clinicians often face when distinguishing overlapping eosinophilic diseases. The discussion also highlights emerging therapies including IL-5 inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, interferon, and biologics, alongside the practical realities of access to treatment in rare disease care.Thoughtful, practical, and candid, this episode offers insight into multidisciplinary medicine, diagnostic humility, and caring for patients living with rare inflammatory diseases. It touches on the importance of being okay with uncertainty in the rare disease space.Dr. Luke Chen is a hematologist and Professor of Medicine at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His clinical and research interests focus on rare inflammatory diseases and eosinophilic disorders. He is the founder of the Coastal Rare Inflammatory Diseases Program, supporting physicians caring for patients with rare diseases across Canada.Around The Rheum is produced by the CRA Communications Committee. A special thank you to the podcast team, Dr. Dax G. Rumsey (CRA Communications Committee Chair), Dr. Daniel Ennis (Host), Dr. Janet Pope (Host), David McGuffin of Explore Productions, and Erin Stewart (CRA) for leading production.Our theme music was composed by Aaron Fontwell.For more on the work of the Canadian Rheumatology Association, visit rheum.ca.

Over the past school year, The Canadian Jewish News' Local Journalism Initiative reporter, Mitch Consky, who covers education, has introduced readers to some exceptional students through his "Chai Achievers" series. He has profiled young Jewish Canadians making a difference on their post-secondary campuses or high schools, with leadership and community service. As exams come to an end this week, Consky brought six such leaders together for a roundtable conversation about their actions and inspirations. They discuss how young Jews are responding to challenges on campus and at home, and why building connections, volunteering and creating opportunities for others is crucial to ensure a strong future for Jewish Canadians. On today's episode of The CJN's North Star podcast, reporter Mitch Consky takes over the hosting duties, to interview: Maya Fuerstenberg, a TanenbaumCHAT graduate, who founded the Dalhousie Jewish Society in Halifax Anastasia Zorchinsky, founder of the StartUp Nation club at Concordia, in Montreal Levi Moskovitz of Vancouver's King David High School, who recently completed his term as BBYO's international treasurer Toronto twins Ava and Ezra Freiheit, and their friend Emma Rovner, who also attend TanenbaumCHAT, who founded "Chains for Change" to raise funds for Special Olympics athletes in Ontario Related stories Read more about the students selected as The CJN Chai Achievers including: a trio who fundraises for Special Olympics ,  a CHAT graduate who built a Jewish club at Dalhousie University , a Vancouver leadership official with BBYO Internationa l, and the founder of the pro-Israel StartUp Nation club at Concordia University. Hear our interview with Levi Moskovitz on The CJN's “North Star” podcast from Dec. 2025 on how he raised nearly $1 million for BBYO. Meet Yair Shpiler, who built Jewnity Sports, a 2025 CJN Chai Achiever . Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner ( @ebessner ) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Izzie Helenchilde (producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer), Alicia Richler (editorial director) Music: Bret Higgins Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to North Star (Not sure how? Click here ) Watch our podcasts on YouTube. Help others find this podcast by leaving us a review for “North Star” on Apple Podcasts via your iPhone or iPad device, or with your Android. (Spotify allows only starred ratings but you can do that, too!)

This week on The Food Professor Podcast, Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois sit down with Vincent Breton, President & CEO of duBreton, Canada's leading organic pork producer, for a fascinating live interview recorded at SIAL Canada in Montreal. Vincent shares the remarkable story behind duBreton's evolution from a traditional pork producer into one of the world's fastest-growing organic pork companies. He explains why the company made the bold decision to abandon conventional production in favour of organic and animal welfare-certified farming, why younger consumers are increasingly seeking ethically produced food, and how long-term thinking has become a competitive advantage. The conversation explores the realities of producing premium food in today's marketplace, including the economics of organic farming, the growing importance of transparency, and why Vincent believes consumers deserve clear labelling around gene editing and cloning technologies. He also discusses duBreton's expansion across North America and Europe, the opportunities presented by the U.S. market, the company's growing influence in Texas barbecue circles, and why social media, education and consumer trust are becoming essential tools for modern food brands. Perhaps most compelling is Vincent's candid discussion of Quebec's collective marketing system and why he continues to advocate for greater producer choice, innovation and entrepreneurial freedom within Canadian agriculture. It's an insightful conversation about leadership, values, food policy and building a purpose-driven business in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. First, Michael and Sylvain kick off the episode with their weekly review of the biggest food and agriculture stories making headlines. They examine Canada's latest food inflation numbers as grocery prices continue to outpace overall inflation, discuss why salmon prices have surged dramatically heading into summer, analyze new trade measures affecting canned food imports, and explore ongoing Competition Bureau investigations into grocery property controls. The hosts also dive into new research on costly regulatory delays affecting meat imports, rising regional ice cream prices, the challenges food manufacturers face replacing artificial colours, changes to the U.S. SNAP food assistance program, and the broader debate over balancing affordability, nutrition and agricultural policy. Along the way, they celebrate Canadian Grocer Golden Pencil Award winners and preview the season finale before a full summer of special interviews recorded at SIAL Canada. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

The practice of people self-identifying as Indigenous has come into sharp focus after a number of high-profile cases of “pretendians” claiming to be Indigenous without evidence. However, far less attention has been given to Indigenous people being wrongly labelled as pretendians. In a recent article for Policy Options, Debbie Martin argues that the rush for Indigenous identity policies at universities has led to people with legitimate claims to Indigeneity being swept up in policies that will cause lasting harm. Debbie Martin is Inuk and a member of Nunatukavut. She is a professor in the school of health and human performance at Dalhousie University and the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples' health and well-being. We spoke in November.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming retail, but are retailers giving away too much decision-making power to algorithms? On this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes back retail strategist, educator, speaker and author Carl Boutet to the podcast to discuss his latest book, The Flip. Drawing on more than three decades of retail experience and his work advising organizations around the world, Carl offers a thought-provoking perspective on how AI is reshaping retail strategy, customer engagement and business leadership. The conversation begins with Carl's unique vantage point as a global retail observer. Fresh off another teaching engagement at the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, Carl shares insights from Southeast Asia's rapidly evolving retail landscape. From super apps and mobile commerce to experiential shopping destinations and high-energy retail environments, he explains why emerging markets are often leapfrogging traditional retail models and creating new opportunities for customer engagement. Michael and Carl then explore one of the most important topics facing retailers today: the growing influence of artificial intelligence on decision-making. Carl argues that while AI can dramatically improve efficiency, it also poses the risk that businesses become increasingly dependent on algorithmic recommendations, potentially sacrificing the creativity, differentiation, and strategic judgment that make brands unique. At the center of the discussion is Carl's new framework outlined in The Flip. He introduces the four forces that he believes are fundamentally reshaping commerce: automation, optimization, contextualization and immersion. Together, these forces are changing how retailers attract customers, personalize experiences, manage operations and compete in increasingly digital environments. The discussion extends beyond technology into the future of retail itself. Carl shares observations from his travels across Asia, highlighting how retailers are creating energy-rich destinations that blend shopping, entertainment, food and community. These experiences offer important lessons for North American retailers seeking to remain relevant in a world where consumers increasingly have unlimited digital choices at their fingertips. Michael and Carl also examine the rise of AI-powered customer discovery, the future of search and marketing, the growing importance of trust, and why retailers must think carefully about where human value creation fits inside increasingly automated organizations. Carl explains why curiosity, organizational adaptability and a relentless focus on core business fundamentals remain essential leadership capabilities despite the rapid pace of technological change. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

This week on The Food Professor Podcast, Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois welcome Jean-François Archambault, Founder and General Manager of La Tablée des Chefs, for an inspiring conversation about food recovery, food security, and the power of community action. Recorded live at SIAL Montreal, this episode showcases one of Canada's most remarkable social entrepreneurs and the national movement he has built to reduce food waste while feeding those in need. Since founding La Tablée des Chefs in 2002, Jean-François has transformed a bold idea into one of Canada's most impactful food recovery organizations. What began as a mission to rescue surplus food from hotels, restaurants, sporting venues, and major events has grown into a nationwide network that has recovered enough food to create more than 26 million meals. From the Bell Centre and NHL arenas to Formula 1 events and major hospitality venues, La Tablée des Chefs now redirects millions of meals annually to frontline organizations serving vulnerable Canadians. The conversation explores the organization's two core pillars: feeding people facing food insecurity and educating young Canadians about food autonomy and cooking skills. Jean-François shares the remarkable growth of the Kitchen Brigades program, now operating in hundreds of schools across Canada, empowering nearly 100,000 young people with practical food knowledge while building confidence, self-esteem, and life skills. He also discusses innovative initiatives such as the Solidarity Soups program and the Grand Marmite fundraising events that are helping expand school food programs across the country. The discussion also examines the growing challenges of food insecurity in Canada, the importance of food literacy, the role chefs can play in social impact, and why Canada needs a more ambitious and coordinated national approach to food security. Jean-François offers a compelling vision for how governments, businesses, community organizations, and citizens can work together to create lasting change. Before the interview, Michael and Sylvain unpack a busy week in food and agriculture news. Topics include the Competition Bureau's new examination of Canada's food supply chain, the federal government's newly announced food strategy, food waste research revealing Generation X as Canada's most wasteful demographic, the future of salmon farming, Quebec's move to restrict energy drink sales to minors, the return of frozen juice concentrate, and Foodtastic's continued expansion. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Today I'm joined with Liev Dalton to dive into Terrain Theory, Germ Theory, Natural Law, and honestly - the coming home to the remembrance of our own innate power to heal. Liev is an absolute wealth of knowledge and wisdom when it comes to terrain and understanding the deeper mechanics and biology of the human body. I was so excited to sit down with him and learn more about this field, as this is a more new field to me. I personally have studied health and wellness my whole life, and honestly, I learned SO much. This truly feels like the future of healing and medicine, and so I am so excited to share this episode with you all. He put words and science to back up the deeper energetic things I've been feeling for years.   Liev Dalton studied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dalhousie University and was on track to become a dental surgeon before shifting into counselling psychology. He went on to open and run a successful therapy practice, working with wilderness therapy, EMDR, somatics, and nervous system regulation. Over time, he realized the model often kept people stuck in cycles of healing. Beyond formal education, Liev explored natural law, philosophy, and countless healing modalities. That path led him to the Terrain. His work now focuses on unlearning modern misconceptions and returning to simplicity. In doing so, this creates the conditions for clarity, resilience, and a deeper sense of well-being.  You can connect with him at www.Beyondterrain.com or instagram  @BeyondTerrain      Let's go deeper ✨    Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCltzHzSg-W8Z2VxPNyyjX7Q/?sub_confirmation=1    Your Soul Blueprint: https://mailchi.mp/0fe31e348882/energy-blueprint-reading     Health Report: https://jasmineelise.gumroad.com/l/healthreport   Stay in the know & Receive updates & channeled messages: https://bit.ly/3rrzpyl   Let's Dive Deep

On the phone-in: Nathaniel Pearre, who's a research fellow at Dalhousie University studying electric vehicles in the renewable energy storage lab, answers questions about electric vehicles and hybrids. And off the top of the show, officials from Moncton discuss the continued challenge of drug overdoses in the city. And we also hear about the annual Mawi'omi at Abegweit First Nation on PEI.

In this very special live edition of The Voice of Retail podcast — the first live recording in nearly 550 episodes on the main-stage at Retaiul Council of Canada's STORE conference — host Michael LeBlanc takes the stage at Retail Council of Canada's STORE Conference in Toronto with three of Canadian retail's most compelling leaders: Julia Freeman, CEO of The Jilly Box, David Brownstein, President of Browns Shoes, and back on the podcast for his third visit Selwyn Crittendon, CEO of IKEA Canada and newly appointed Chair of the Retail Council of Canada Board of Directors. Julia Freeman shares the remarkable story of The Jilly Box, co-founded by content creator Jillian Harris — fresh off her Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year 2026 award — which sells 20,000 surprise subscription boxes in under 24 hours, 27 seasons in a row, while championing small Canadian, women-owned and equity-deserving brands. Julia offers a candid assessment of the state of Canadian e-commerce, the patriotic "shop Canadian" wave reshaping consumer behaviour post-tariffs, and how The Market by The Jilly Box marketplace is delivering industry-leading conversion with four units per basket. David Brownstein, fourth-generation leader of Montreal-based Browns Shoes, celebrates a banner week as his father, CEO Michael Brownstein, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala. David reveals the store design philosophy behind Browns' 71 locations — wide entrances, best merchandise up front, AI-embedded traffic counting — plus why Browns has never hired a store leader from outside in 86 years, and why brand partners like On, Birkenstock and UGG are complements, not competitors. Selwyn Crittendon lays out IKEA Canada's grounded AI philosophy: better retailing, better operational efficiency, and better jobs — built on clean data, mandatory AI literacy training for 7,200 coworkers, and a firm commitment that AI augments rather than replaces people. He also unpacks IKEA's small-format expansion strategy, from plan and order points pioneered in Canada to the new London, Ontario store and IKEA's bold SoHo move in New York, and explains why sustainability paired with affordability is "the new superpower of retail." The conversation ranges from family business dynamics and talent retention to influencer marketing strategy — including Julia's advice that your associates and small business partners may be your most powerful untapped brand ambassadors — and wraps with David's three keys to retail success today: empower frontline employees to make customer-service decisions, break down organizational silos to stay agile in the AI era, and invest relentlessly in retaining great people. Recorded in front of a live studio audience — complete with a surprise Jilly Box giveaway featuring the sold-out first-ever men's box — this episode captures the energy, optimism and hard-won wisdom of Canadian retail's best, and Selwyn's reflections on why he stepped up to chair the RCC board during turbulent times. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

This week on The Food Professor Podcast, co-hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois welcome two special guests for a wide-ranging, no-holds-barred interview: Axel Schwan, President of Tim Hortons Canada & U.S., and Duncan Fulton, Chief Corporate Officer of Restaurant Brands International (RBI). With Dunkin' Donuts announcing its return to Canada and Canadians passionately debating the future of their most iconic coffee brand, Axel and Duncan showed up ready to answer the tough questions. In a candid 40-minute conversation, Schwan and Fulton open up about Tim Hortons' "Back to Basics" strategy — the largest consumer research project in the company's history — and the quality overhaul that followed: freshly cracked eggs replacing frozen patties in breakfast sandwiches, 40% more apple in the apple fritter, more Venetian cream in the Boston cream, and the removal of artificial colours, flavours and preservatives across the menu. They share how Tim Hortons serves four million guests a day across 4,000 restaurants owned by 1,500 Canadian franchisees, why traffic is the one metric Axel watches daily, and how the brand is winning younger consumers with its Quenchers platform — including the imminent launch of Popping Quenchers — plus celebrity partnerships with Justin Bieber and Ryan Reynolds. The duo also tackles the controversy head-on: Is the wave of announcements — 400 restaurant renovations, 80 new builds, a national hiring campaign — a reaction to Dunkin's arrival? Fulton sets the record straight on the temporary foreign worker debate, noting roughly 4,000 of 110,000 restaurant team members are part of the program, and explains how AI is being deployed to improve the team member experience, from labour scheduling to order accuracy. A rapid-fire round covers everything from the biggest public misconception about Tim Hortons to the products Canadians want back, while Michael shares his own fun factoid: he helped invent Roll Up the Rim during his Dixie Cup days. But first, we start with the food and agriculture news of the week. Sobeys gets served as the Competition Bureau flexes its new Competition Act powers to investigate property controls in Canadian grocery. We break down Ottawa's newly published AI strategy and what it means for agriculture and food, where Canada's persistent data deficit threatens to undermine even the best intentions. Then, the screwworm fly resurfaces in Texas, prompting the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to take targeted action — and sending cattle futures and already-high beef prices climbing. Sylvain also reports from Delaware, where he keynoted a healthcare conference on food as medicine and discovered a surprising threat to American farmland: hundreds of AI data centres being built on fertile soil. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Elon Musk is on the verge of becoming a trillionaire. Right now Musk's wealth is currently around $825 billion US — more than double what it was a year earlier. Only 22 countries currently boast economies larger than Musk's net worth, but he's catching up. In the third episode of our series The Billionaire Age we investigate how Musk and his fellow billionaires are trying to take over the world. And if they succeed, what will this mean for the rest of us?Listen to more episodes in this series:Listen to Part One: How did we get here?Listen to Part Two: Disney heiress on the dangers of extreme wealthGuests in this episode:Ingrid Robeyns is a philosopher and economist. She is the chair in Ethics of Intuitions at Utrecht University, and the author of Limitarianism: The Case Against Extreme Wealth.Lucas Chancel is an economist and the co-director of The World Inequality Lab. He's also a professor at the Paris School of Economics.Gabriel Zucman is an economist and the co-director of The World Inequality Lab. He's also a professor at the Paris School of Economics and the University of California, Berkeley.Nitin Bharti is an economist and lecturer at the University of Western Australia. He is also the South and South-East Asia coordinator at the World Inequality Lab.Lars Osberg is an economics professor at Dalhousie University, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His latest book is The Scandalous Rise of Inequality in Canada.Abigail Disney is an American film producer, philanthropist and social activist. She is a member of Patriotic Millionaires which advocates for higher taxes on the wealthy.Paul Krugman is an economist and the winner of the 2008 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.Tim Wu is a legal scholar and professor at Columbia Law School. He is also a contributing opinion writer at the New York Times. His latest book is The Age of Extraction: How Tech Platforms Conquered the Economy and Threaten Our Future Prosperity.Nick Hanauer is an entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He co-authored the book, Corporate Bullsh*t: Exposing The Lies and Half-Truths that Protect Profit, Power and Wealth in America, with Joan Walsh and Donald Cohen. He also hosts the podcast Pitchfork Economics.Guido Alfani is a professor of economic history at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. His latest book is As Gods Among Men: A History of the Rich in the West.

Sleep is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — aspects of our health, especially for people living with chronic pain. In this episode of Pain Talk, host Maureen Allen sits down with sleep researcher and Dalhousie University psychologist Dr. David Gardner to explore the powerful connection between sleep, pain, stress, and overall well-being. Together, they discuss why sleep matters, common myths about getting a “perfect” night's rest, the role of habits and life experiences in shaping sleep patterns, and the benefits and limitations of sleep medications. Dr. Gardner also shares practical, evidence-based strategies from cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and explains how small changes can lead to meaningful improvements in sleep health. Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, insomnia, or simply looking to improve your sleep, this conversation offers valuable insights and hope for better rest. The post Episode 82 : Dr. David Gardner – Sleep and Chronic pain – Why rest matters more than you think. first appeared on Pain Talk.

Renée Babin is a multidisciplinary professional who grounds her work in compassion, intentionality, and connection. With a focus on holistic approaches to law, community, and wellbeing, she is committed to empowering individuals and organisations to move with clarity and purpose. Her commitment to equity, advocacy, and community engagement shapes both her personal and professional approach. Renée has been teaching yoga since 2021. With ongoing learning, yoga lends her personal fortitude and teaches others the benefits of wellbeing as a community practice. Deeply committed to community-led change, Renée serves on advisory committees with Halifax Regional Municipality and Correctional Service Canada, contributing to initiatives that advance equity, inclusion, and civic engagement.She is concurrently completing a Master of Public Administration alongside her Juris Doctor at Dalhousie University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Saint Mary's University. Her experience includes serving as a program coordinator in women's health services, where she contributed to community-based resource development grounded in safety and accessibility. As a business advisor, she has supported organisations in policy development and risk mitigation, strengthening governance and operational effectiveness.Outside of her professional work, Renée enjoys hiking with her dog, developing new projects, and exploring new places through cultural immersion.More @renelaurenne

In this episode, I connect with Professor Sara FL Kirk, with Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for an in-depth discussion about her research centered on environments that promote healthy, active living, what prompted her to become a safer streets activist, hint: it's the story as we heard from Tom Flood with the Urban Truth Collective, and some of her favorite initiatives she's been involved with there in Halifax.Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):

As global trade faces unprecedented disruption, international eCommerce remains one of the most compelling growth opportunities for retailers and brands. On this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes Matthew Merrilees, CEO North America at Global-e, with special guest co-host Jim Okamura, co-founder of the Global eCommerce Leaders Forum, for a deep dive into the future of cross-border commerce and global retail expansion. Drawing on more than two decades of experience spanning international logistics, eCommerce, supply chain management, and global retail growth, Matthew provides a practical and insightful perspective on how brands can successfully navigate today's increasingly complex global marketplace. The conversation explores how supply chain disruption has evolved from a temporary challenge during the pandemic into a permanent strategic consideration for retailers. Matthew explains why agility, scenario planning, and operational flexibility have become essential capabilities for brands seeking sustainable growth in an environment shaped by tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty, changing regulations, and shifting consumer expectations. A central theme of the discussion is profitability. Matthew reveals why virtually every conversation with retailers today centres around profitable growth rather than simply pursuing top-line revenue. He discusses how brands are optimizing inventory allocation, managing duties and tariffs, leveraging duty drawback programs, simplifying technology stacks, and improving international fulfilment strategies to protect margins while expanding globally. Matthew shares why customers around the world continue to expect seamless, localized shopping experiences regardless of where a retailer is based. Whether shopping in Canada, Europe, the Middle East, or emerging markets, consumers increasingly demand domestic-like experiences that remove friction from cross-border transactions. Throughout the episode, Matthew outlines the characteristics that distinguish the most successful global brands. Digital-first thinking, calculated risk-taking, strong brand differentiation, and customer-centric innovation consistently separate market leaders from competitors. He argues that retailers who continue investing and expanding during periods of uncertainty are often best positioned to capture future growth. The episode concludes with a powerful call to action for retailers and brands considering international expansion: don't wait. As Matthew notes, consumers around the world are already discovering brands online. The question is no longer whether brands should go global—but how quickly they can do it profitably and effectively. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

This week on The Food Professor Podcast, Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois sit down with Don Hill, Chairman of Sucro, for a rare inside look at one of the most significant investments in Canada's food manufacturing sector in decades. Sucro has quickly become one of North America's fastest-growing sugar companies, and its newly built Ontario refinery marks the first major new sugar-refining investment in Canada in generations. Don explains why Canada became Sucro's first major international investment market, how the company is challenging conventional thinking in a traditionally conservative industry, and why innovation, reinvestment, and operational efficiency are becoming critical competitive advantages in food manufacturing. The conversation explores the strategic role sugar plays in food production beyond sweetness, including shelf life, texture, functionality, product formulation, and cost management. Don also discusses how Sucro is navigating labour shortages, global trade disruptions, tariffs, supply chain volatility, and geopolitical uncertainty while building what he believes is the most modern and competitive sugar refinery in North America. Michael and Sylvain also dive into the impact of GLP-1 weight-loss medications on food consumption with Don, the opportunities and limitations of artificial intelligence in manufacturing, and why Canada remains an attractive destination for food production despite growing trade tensions and policy uncertainty. Don shares his perspective on the future of food manufacturing investment, North American competitiveness, and Sucro's plans for growth over the next decade. Before the interview, the hosts tackle another packed week of food and agriculture news. They discuss Canada's economic outlook and the debate over recession terminology, new research comparing household food spending across G20 countries, and the ongoing rise in food insecurity and food bank usage across Canada. The discussion also covers soaring tomato prices linked to North American trade disruptions, new revelations surrounding the Canada Royal Milk infant formula facility in Kingston, and concerns about transparency within Canada's supply-managed dairy sector. The episode also reflects on Metro CEO Eric La Flèche's retirement announcement, examining his lasting impact on Canadian grocery retailing and congratulating the highly skilled and experienced Marc Giroux on becoming the new CEO. Finally, Michael and Sylvain explore how some farmers are finding new revenue streams through YouTube and digital content creation, demonstrating the remarkable adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit of modern agriculture. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

From Evidence to Action: Incorporating Disability Inclusion in Medical Training and Practice (ICAM 2026) Session Description The ICAM Series | Recorded Live at the International Congress on Academic Medicine (ICAM) What does it take to move disability inclusion from research and policy into everyday medical training and practice? Recorded live at the International Congress on Academic Medicine (ICAM) in Ottawa, Canada, this special episode of the Docs With Disabilities Podcast brings together an extraordinary panel of physician leaders, educators, and advocates working to transform disability inclusion across undergraduate medical education, residency training, and clinical practice. Together, the panel explores how institutions can move beyond awareness and compliance toward meaningful, sustainable change. Drawing from scholarship, systems leadership, and lived experience, they discuss the realities of accommodation implementation, the importance of centralized and trusted systems, faculty training, universal design, and the role of culture in shaping whether disability inclusion succeeds or stalls. This conversation asks difficult—but necessary—questions: How do we create systems that are consistent and humane? How do we support learners and physicians across transitions and career stages? And how do we build medical environments where disability is expected, planned for, and valued? Rich with practical insight and grounded in real-world experience, this live ICAM session highlights a field at an important turning point—one where we increasingly have the evidence, the tools, and the responsibility to act. Whether you are a learner, educator, physician, administrator, or institutional leader, this episode offers concrete ideas and inspiration for advancing disability inclusion within your own environment. Keywords: UGME, PGME, Disability, Learner, Trainee, Medical Education, Policies, Processes, Ableism, Culture, ICAM, AFMC, Docs With Disabilities. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18hNrBcylnDfSuT6hJB-RwFMpIBVzEPY21Qf4y0mU0WY/edit?usp=sharing Co-Moderators Lisa Meeks, PhD, MA  Dr. Meeks is a Professor of Medical Education at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, IL and holds an appt as an Associate Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Medicine in Ann Arbor, MI. She is the founder of the Docs with Disabilities Initiative and host of the DWDI Podcast. Lynn Ashdown, MD, MMEd   Lynn Ashdown is a patient experience expert who advocates for patients to be included as stakeholders in all levels of healthcare. She has a medical degree, and was close to finishing her residency in family medicine when she began, and continues to navigate, a complex journey as a full-time patient. She has a masters degree in medical education, and presents, participates in research, and is a senior patient partner consulting with various organizations like the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada. She's involved in curriculum reform focusing on patient partnerships and is a disability educator within medicine. Lynn is a disability advocate, drawing from her experiences as a patient and person living with multiple disabilities. She's a board member of the Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities and is involved with policy and legislative changes to combat ableism and inequities for people living with disabilities. She co-authored Canada's first position statement on the importance of disability inclusion in medical education, and received the 2024 CMA Dr. Ashok Muzumdar Memorial Award for Physicians with Disabilities. Pam Liao, MD, MEd, FRCPC Dr. Liao is the Inaugural Interim Associate Dean Accessibility and Disability Health at the Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine. Here, she previously served as the Disability Health Lead and Special Advisor to the Dean at the Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine. In her work, she leads efforts to embed critical disability perspectives and anti-ableist practices into medical education. Drawing from her personal experience navigating medical training with a disability, she has dedicated her career to dismantling systemic barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in medicine. Her work includes groundbreaking research—such as the first analysis of accommodations policies in Canadian undergraduate medical programs—and advocacy efforts like the widely recognized "#docswithdisabilities" social media campaign, which brings attention to the underrepresentation of disabled individuals in healthcare and drives meaningful change. She advocated for the establishment of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) Disability Inclusion Network and currently serves as its inaugural Co-Chair. Her advocacy earned her a place on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities, where she continues to serve. Dr. Liao earned her medical degree from the University of British Columbia and completed her residency in Family and Community Medicine and a fellowship in Palliative Medicine at the University of Toronto. She is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto and practices clinically in long-term care and rehabilitation settings. Her contributions have been recognized with several honors, including the OMA Section of Palliative Medicine – Award of Excellence. Jill Rudkowski, MD, FRCPC  Dr. Jill Rudkowski is an Associate Professor of Medicine in Department of Medicine (Critical Care) at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.  She has practised as a critical care physician for over 20 years and is an educator, researcher, and educational leader.  She obtained her MD from the University of Calgary. She trained in Internal Medicine, Respirology, and Critical Care at McGill University after which she completed a Post-doctoral Fellowship with Dr. Barrett Rollins at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University. She served as Head of Service for the Medical Stepdown Unit and then the Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton for over 10 years.  Dr. Rudkowski has been involved as a co-investigator on numerous patient-focused clinical studies, and these collaborations focus on improving outcomes for survivors of critical illness and the impact on their caregivers. She has designed and delivered curriculum through sessions and workshops on the concept of team compassion in critical care and its role in effective communication.      Dr. Rudkowski has held several educational leadership roles within the McMaster University DeGroote School of Medicine including the Chair of Clerkship and the Director of Student Advising. She is currently the Postgraduate Medicine (PGME) Accommodation Advisor within Resident Affairs and the PGME Resident Assessment Faculty Lead. Dr. Rudkowski has been involved in writing and implementing policy and guidelines around accessing accommodations as well as designing and delivering curriculum aimed at faculty, learners, and administrators through virtual and in person sessions and workshops. Dr. Rudkowski has had the privilege of collaborating nationally and internationally around disability policy in medical education.  She was a member of the Disability Policy Toolkit Committee, Multimedia Resource Hub for Disability Inclusion in Graduate Medical Education on "Learn at ACGME" supported by the 2024 Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation Catalyst Award for Transformation in Graduate Medical Education.  Dr. Rudkowski is currently a member of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Network.  She lives with a chronic disability and is passionate about ensuring that all medical learners and practitioners with disability experience belonging and accessibility in the clinical learning and practice environments.   Camille Munro MD CCFP (PC) Dr. Camille Munro is a palliative medicine physician in the Department of Medicine at the Ottawa Hospital and an Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa. Originally from Chester, Nova Scotia, she received her Doctor of Medicine from Dalhousie University in 1991 and completed her rotating internship at Royal Columbian Hospital, University of British Columbia. After practicing family medicine in Ottawa for 18 years while raising her children, she returned to the academic setting, driven by a longstanding commitment to compassionate, whole patient-centred care for those facing a serious illness.  In 2018, Dr. Munro was appointed Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Medicine where she led initiatives to foster a more inclusive and equitable academic and clinical environment. Her work included the development and implementation of the first formal accommodations policy for physicians with disabilities at a Canadian academic hospital. She remains a strong advocate for physicians with disabilities and for creating environments free from discrimination and inequity. Here work is grounded in compassion, advocacy, and representation; values she brings to her clinical care, teaching, mentorship and leadership. In recognition of her contributions, she received the 2022 Faculty Member Award of Excellence for Leadership in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine.  Samantha Lavitt, MD Dr. Samantha Lavitt (she/her) is the first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Curricular Lead in undergraduate medical education at the University of Ottawa, which sits on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin people. In this role, she designs educational content including topics such as gender equity, sexual orientation and gender diversity, language rights, and disability, integrating these topics throughout the clinical curriculum in a format that connects students with community teachers with lived experience. Trained as a family physician and dedicated to resilience through sustainable practice development, Dr. Lavitt also offers coaching and peer support to family physicians on advocacy, disability, and well-being through the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP). She established the first peer support group for physicians with chronic illness and/or disabilities at the OCFP in 2024 and continues to co-lead this group monthly.  While she finds working with individual physicians and small groups deeply rewarding, this intervention is not enough to dismantle the system of barriers that disabled physicians face in our medical culture, so Dr. Lavitt brings her professional and lived experience as a disabled physician to advocacy initiatives at her academic institution, provincial, and national levels with involvement in peer support projects, webinars, and conference appearances. Produced by: Dr. Lisa Meeks.  Audio editor: Next Day Podcast Digital Media: Lisa Meeks Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EXw4F1pt5J-O6Y0k-WksDC71RCA6aTFSCOkz-lqJiyc/edit?usp=sharing  

On this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes Jackie Swanson, Managing Partner at Gartner Consulting, for a wide-ranging and highly practical conversation about artificial intelligence, agentic commerce, and the rapidly changing future of retail. Swanson brings Gartner's global perspective to one of the most urgent strategic issues facing retailers today: how AI is fundamentally reshaping customer discovery, commerce channels, operating models, and competitive advantage. Drawing on Gartner's extensive AI research and consulting work with retailers and consumer brands in Canada and around the world, she explains why generative AI represents a structural shift unlike previous technology waves such as cloud computing or mobile commerce. At the centre of the discussion is the rise of “agentic commerce” — a world where AI agents like ChatGPT, Claude, and future large language model interfaces increasingly sit between retailers and consumers. Instead of browsing websites or apps, customers are beginning to shop conversationally through AI interfaces that recommend, filter, compare, and eventually complete purchases on their behalf. Swanson explains why this represents an entirely new commerce channel and why retailers must rethink their strategies before they lose control of customer discovery and loyalty. Michael and Jackie explore the major implications for SEO, branding, merchandising, customer relationships, and organizational design as AI-driven commerce accelerates. Swanson introduces the emerging concept of “AEO” — AI Engine Optimization — and discusses how retailers must rethink product data, customer signals, and digital infrastructure to ensure their brands surface inside AI-driven shopping experiences. The conversation also tackles one of the industry's biggest strategic questions: who inside a retail organization should own AI? Swanson argues that an AI strategy cannot be confined solely to IT or digital teams. Instead, it must become a CEO-level, cross-functional transformation involving merchandising, marketing, loyalty, operations, and technology leadership. Swanson outlines three critical priorities retailers must address over the next 12 to 18 months: establishing strong AI governance and ethical frameworks, cleaning and restructuring enterprise data for AI readiness, and creating clear organizational ownership for AI strategy and execution. The episode closes with a fascinating discussion about which retail categories may benefit most from AI-driven commerce, why smaller challenger brands could gain unexpected advantages, and why retailers that adopt a “wait and see” approach risk falling dangerously behind. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

This week on The Food Professor Podcast, recorded live at SIAL Canada 2026 in Montreal, Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois welcome back Karen Proud, President & Adjudicator of the Canada Grocery Code, for an important conversation about one of the most closely watched structural reforms in the Canadian grocery industry. Only months after the official launch of the Canada Grocery Code, Proud provides an inside look at how the new voluntary, industry-led framework is functioning in its early stages. She explains the mission of the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct, the rationale behind creating a voluntary code instead of government regulation, and why more than 200 companies have already joined the initiative. Proud discusses how the code is designed to improve business relationships between retailers and suppliers, strengthen transparency, create more predictable contracting practices, and encourage long-term investment and innovation throughout Canada's food supply chain. The conversation explores the challenges of building trust across a fragmented grocery ecosystem while balancing supplier concerns, retailer expectations, and government scrutiny. Proud outlines how her office is approaching compliance, dispute resolution, reporting transparency, and stakeholder engagement while emphasizing that the code is not intended to directly control grocery prices or solve food inflation. Instead, the long-term objective is to create a healthier and more competitive grocery marketplace that ultimately benefits Canadian consumers through increased investment, innovation, and product diversity. Before the interview, Michael and Sylvain dive deep into the rapidly rising price of chicken in Canada, examining how supply management, quota allocation challenges, and surging consumer demand are contributing to record levels of poultry imports from the United States and beyond. They debate whether the current system is adequately responding to shifting protein demand as consumers move away from expensive beef toward chicken. The episode also explores Quebec's decision to permanently remove sales tax from certain grocery categories, growing concerns among Canadian beef producers over potential trade negotiations involving South American imports, and how global instability, drought conditions, and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz are beginning to impact grain and wheat prices worldwide. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Dr. Howard Schubiner is an internist and pediatrician, who attained the rank of full Professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1999. He is an internist and the director of the Mind Body Medicine Center at Ascension Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan. Dr. Schubiner is a Clinical Professor at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and is a fellow in the American College of Physicians, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. He has authored more than 100 publications in scientific journals and books, and lectures regionally, nationally, and internationally. Dr. Schubiner is the author of three books: Unlearn Your Pain, Unlearn Your Anxiety and Depression, and Hidden From View, written with Allan Abbass, MD, a Professor of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Today, we have a fascinating conversation on Mind Body Syndrome a condition where the brain generates very real physical pain or symptoms in response to unresolved emotional stress, trauma, or repressed feelings like anger and anxiety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Researchers and analysts are beginning to ask whether two powerful forces are quietly reshaping how and why people eat: the rise of GLP-1 medications and the constant churn of food trends. What happens when drugs like Ozempic don't just reduce appetite but change how the body processes food, forcing users to rethink nutrition to avoid side effects and maintain balance? Could that shift create new demands the food industry is already preparing to meet? And at the same time, why do consumers continue to chase new diets, ingredients, and health claims month after month? What is driving this persistent search for the next solution, even as advice keeps changing? We examine whether these developments are connected, how pharmaceutical intervention may be accelerating longer-term shifts in food culture, and what it reveals about the forces shaping modern eating habits. Sylvain Charlebois, professor at Dalhousie University and director of its Agri-Food Analytics Lab, and Samantha King, professor and director of the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen's University, discuss nutrition, behaviour, and the emerging questions at the intersection of medicine, markets, and consumer choice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kim Brooks, president and vice-chancellor of Dalhousie University, discusses how Canada's historic defence investments can translate into genuine sovereign capability—and why universities need to be at the centre of that conversation. She explores how research partnerships with the Royal Canadian Navy actually work on the ground, what dual-use technologies mean for both civilian innovation and defence readiness, and how institutions like Dalhousie are stepping in to fill critical gaps in domestic naval capability.Brooks argues that this moment is fundamentally about economic development—that getting defence spending right means deliberately building Canadian firms, talent, supply chains, and confidence, and that Canada is simply too small a country to leave those pieces disconnected.This episode is presented in partnership with U15 Canada.The Hub is Canada's fastest growing independent digital news outlet.Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get all our best content:https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple)https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify)Watch a video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanadaFollow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS:Elia Gross - Producer and EditorSean Speer - Host Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bigfoot could get official status if proposed legislation passes making it the state cryptid of California. If nothing else, the effort shows that fascination with cryptids has an outsized footprint on our culture. We look at why mythical creatures continue to capture imaginations - as well as passions - of die-hard believers, despite no evidence for their existence. An author uncovers the origin of a beloved hoax in the American West and its unexpected ties to a real animal and historical medical breakthrough. But are we looking for creature delights in all the wrong places? A tally of Earth's species reveals that far more remain unidentified than are currently known. Newly discovered critters such as the Yeti crab and an organism dubbed the Flying Spaghetti Monster are so strange, it challenges us to separate fauna fact from folktale. Guests: Chris Rogers – Assemblymember, California's 2nd Assembly District Benjamin Radford – Deputy Editor of Skeptical Inquirer Science Magazine, author, and co-host of Squaring the Strange podcast Michael Branch – Writer, humorist, and author of On the Trail of the Jackalope: How a Legend Captured the World's Imagination and Helped Us Cure Cancer Boris Worm – Marine ecologist, Professor of Biology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia Originally released April 14, 2025 Big Picture Science is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to inquire about advertising on Big Picture Science. You can get early access to ad-free versions of every episode by joining us on Patreon. Thanks for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bigfoot could get official status if proposed legislation passes making it the state cryptid of California. If nothing else, the effort shows that fascination with cryptids has an outsized footprint on our culture. We look at why mythical creatures continue to capture imaginations - as well as passions - of die-hard believers, despite no evidence for their existence. An author uncovers the origin of a beloved hoax in the American West and its unexpected ties to a real animal and historical medical breakthrough. But are we looking for creature delights in all the wrong places? A tally of Earth's species reveals that far more remain unidentified than are currently known. Newly discovered critters such as the Yeti crab and an organism dubbed the Flying Spaghetti Monster are so strange, it challenges us to separate fauna fact from folktale. Guests: Chris Rogers – Assemblymember, California's 2nd Assembly District Benjamin Radford – Deputy Editor of Skeptical Inquirer Science Magazine, author, and co-host of Squaring the Strange podcast Michael Branch – Writer, humorist, and author of On the Trail of the Jackalope: How a Legend Captured the World's Imagination and Helped Us Cure Cancer Boris Worm – Marine ecologist, Professor of Biology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia Originally released April 14, 2025 Big Picture Science is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to inquire about advertising on Big Picture Science. You can get early access to ad-free versions of every episode by joining us on Patreon. Thanks for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes back Deb Craven to the podcast, President of Longo's and Retail Council of Canada's Distinguished Retailer of the Year for 2026, for an in-depth conversation about leadership, grocery innovation, Canadian retail growth, and what it takes to scale a beloved regional brand while preserving culture and customer trust. Recorded on the cusp of Longo's milestone 70th anniversary celebrations, Deb reflects on the remarkable evolution of one of Canada's most respected grocery retailers. She shares insights into the company's continued expansion strategy, including the upcoming opening of Longo's 44th store in Welland, Ontario— the furthest geographic expansion yet. Deb explains how Longo's has invested heavily in supply chain modernization, including doubling the size of its distribution centre, improving logistics flows, and introducing light automation to support future growth and operational consistency. The conversation also explores the strategic advantages Longo's has gained through its partnership with Empire Company Limited. Deb discusses how the relationship has created opportunities for shared learning, talent development, operational scale, and broader access to retail expertise while still allowing Longo's to maintain its unique identity, culture, and guest experience focus. Michael and Deb spend considerable time discussing the changing Canadian grocery landscape and how consumer expectations continue to evolve. From affordability concerns and value perception to the growing importance of protein, fibre, wellness, and GLP-1-driven shopping behaviours, Deb explains how Longo's is adapting merchandising, meal planning, and customer engagement strategies to remain highly relevant to modern shoppers. The discussion also dives into one of the most important emerging topics in retail: artificial intelligence and agentic commerce. Deb shares how Longo's is actively working to understand AI-driven shopping assistants and personalized grocery recommendations, and how retailers will need to position themselves as consumers increasingly rely on intelligent digital agents to make purchase decisions. Throughout the interview, Deb's leadership philosophy stands out clearly. She emphasizes listening, curiosity, empowering frontline employees, and maintaining a “store-first” mindset — principles that have helped Longo's consistently rank among Canada's top grocery experiences. The conversation culminates with reflections on Longo's recognition as Retail Council of Canada's Distinguished Retailer of the Year and what lies ahead for the company as it balances growth, innovation, and its deeply rooted community values. Please join us at STORE 2026 in Toronto June 2nd and 3rd, and for the Excellence in Retail gala to celebrate Deb's achievement, the evening of June 2nd at the conference. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

This week on The Food Professor Podcast, our interview is recorded live at SIAL Canada 2026 in Montreal. Michael LeBlanc welcomes one of the most influential executives in global consumer packaged goods: Jessica C. Adelman, Mars Snacking North America. Fresh off Mars' massive $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova, Adelman offers a rare inside look at the strategic thinking behind one of the largest CPG transactions in history. She explains how Mars — now a $86+ billion privately held global powerhouse operating across more than 80 countries — is reshaping itself into a modern snacking giant with iconic brands spanning M&M's, Snickers, Skittles, Pringles, Pop-Tarts, Cheez-It, and more. The conversation dives deep into how large food companies are navigating a radically different operating environment shaped by geopolitical volatility, inflation, climate pressures, AI disruption, and changing consumer behaviour. Adelman shares Mars' approach to resilience, reputation management, and long-term strategic planning in an era where business shocks arrive faster and harder than ever before. She also discusses why Mars continues investing heavily in North American manufacturing, including a recent $180 million investment across Ontario facilities. Michael and Jessica explore the transformative impact of AI across food retail and supply chains, from reducing food waste and optimizing logistics to enabling consumer discovery and personalization. They also examine how GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are changing eating habits, portion sizes, and snack consumption patterns — a growing issue every major food manufacturer is now monitoring closely. The interview also touches on sustainability, food system resilience, consumer affordability, and the evolving role of global brands in helping consumers balance value, convenience, nutrition, and enjoyment. Throughout the discussion, Adelman offers a thoughtful perspective on leadership, agility, and why companies must move beyond simply “playing the hits” to remain relevant in a rapidly changing marketplace. But first, Michael and Sylvain Charlebois tackle another packed week in food and agriculture news. The hosts debate Ontario's emerging “6% milk” trend, the accelerating adoption of GLP-1 drugs across Canada thanks to the launch of a generic pill format, and renewed calls (along with the history and original objectives) to overhaul Canada's confusing best-before date system to combat food waste and improve affordability. They also discuss food theft and organized crime concerns in grocery retail, mounting pressure on Atlantic Canada's oyster industry, mushroom trade tensions with the United States, the definition of food deserts in urban Canada, and the critical importance of grain infrastructure in Atlantic Canada and a world awash in Bourbon. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

In this episode of the Award-winning PRS Journal Club Podcast, 2026 Resident Ambassadors to the PRS Editorial Board – Lucas Harrison, Christopher Kalmar, and Priyanka Naidu- and special guest, Andrea L. Pusic, MD, discuss the following articles from the May 2026 issue: "Cost of Care and Surgical Outcomes between Direct-to-Implant and Staged Tissue Expander Breast Reconstruction" by Chakraborty, Bouhadana, Bernstein et al. Read the article for FREE: https://bit.ly/DTI_TE_Comparison Dr. Andrea L. Pusic is our special guest. She serves as Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Director of Patient-Reported Outcomes, and the Joseph Murray Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Pusic also holds a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. She completed her general surgery residency at Dalhousie University, followed by a plastic surgery residency at McGill University and a microsurgery fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her clinical practice focuses on breast reconstruction and aesthetic breast surgery, including both autologous tissue reconstruction and implant-based techniques, with a strong emphasis on individualized, patient-centered care and quality-of-life outcomes. An internationally recognized leader in patient-reported outcomes research, Dr. Pusic has authored more than 200 publications. She developed the BREAST-Q, a widely used instrument for measuring patient satisfaction and quality of life after breast surgery. She also co-led the NCI-funded Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium, a multi-institutional collaboration across 11 centers studying patient perspectives on breast reconstruction. Dr. Pusic now leads the PROVE Center, where she advances the use of patient-reported outcomes to improve surgical quality, patient experience, and healthcare value. READ the articles discussed in this podcast as well as free related content: https://bit.ly/JCMay26Collection

On this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Stephen Bailey, Chief Marketing Officer of Vancouver's John Fluevog Shoes—one of North America's most distinctive independent retail brands. For over 56 years, Fluevog has built a fiercely loyal customer community by doing something most brands struggle to sustain: staying unapologetically unique. With 20 stores across Canada and the United States, a direct-to-consumer model, and a decision to step away from wholesale, Fluevog has created a retail ecosystem built on scarcity, craftsmanship, human connection, and creative courage. Stephen shares his 21-year journey helping shape one of Canada's most iconic design-led retail brands. From creating limited-run footwear collections manufactured in small family-owned factories around the world, to nurturing a passionate global community of “Fluevogers,” he explains why being “not for everyone” has become one of the company's greatest strategic advantages. Michael and Stephen explore how heritage brands stay relevant without becoming trapped by their own history. Stephen shares why Fluevog refuses to chase trends, how the company balances creativity with commercial discipline, and why staying true to brand character has helped them navigate economic cycles, retail disruption, and changing consumer behaviors. The conversation also tackles one of retail's biggest current themes: AI and algorithm-driven commerce. Stephen offers candid insights on how niche brands can thrive in a world increasingly shaped by machine-driven recommendations, digital marketing automation, and platform economics—while still protecting the human side of retail. They also discuss international growth, including Fluevog's ambitious expansion into Amsterdam, the lessons learned from operating in global markets, and why physical retail remains the company's most powerful marketing channel. Perhaps most importantly, Stephen shares why community remains Fluevog's ultimate moat. From in-store “Fluevogologists” delivering highly personalized service to customer interactions that dramatically reduce returns while building loyalty, Fluevog continues proving that in an increasingly digital world, human connection still drives extraordinary retail outcomes.   Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this episode of the Award-winning PRS Journal Club Podcast, 2026 Resident Ambassadors to the PRS Editorial Board – Lucas Harrison, Christopher Kalmar, and Priyanka Naidu- and special guest, Andrea L. Pusic, MD, discuss the following articles from the May 2026 issue: "Single versus Multiple Perforator Flaps in Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Regression Analysis of Clinical Outcomes and Financial Metrics" by DeVito, Ke, Wen, et al. Read the article for FREE: https://bit.ly/MutliperfAutoBreast Dr. Andrea L. Pusic is our special guest. She serves as Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Director of Patient-Reported Outcomes, and the Joseph Murray Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Pusic also holds a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. She completed her general surgery residency at Dalhousie University, followed by a plastic surgery residency at McGill University and a microsurgery fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her clinical practice focuses on breast reconstruction and aesthetic breast surgery, including both autologous tissue reconstruction and implant-based techniques, with a strong emphasis on individualized, patient-centered care and quality-of-life outcomes. An internationally recognized leader in patient-reported outcomes research, Dr. Pusic has authored more than 200 publications. She developed the BREAST-Q, a widely used instrument for measuring patient satisfaction and quality of life after breast surgery. She also co-led the NCI-funded Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium, a multi-institutional collaboration across 11 centers studying patient perspectives on breast reconstruction. Dr. Pusic now leads the PROVE Center, where she advances the use of patient-reported outcomes to improve surgical quality, patient experience, and healthcare value. READ the articles discussed in this podcast as well as free related content: https://bit.ly/JCMay26Collection

In this episode, I discuss with Kelowna based urologist Dr. Chris Bitcon:What is erectile dysfunction (ED)? At what point does it move from a temporary issue to a condition requiring a doctor's visit?Primary causes (prostate treatment, vascular, hormonal, neurological, psychological)What can you do before you go see a urologist?Treatment optionsDr Chris Bitcon is a practicing Urologist in Kelowna. Dr. Bitcon grew up in Kelowna and is the epitome of a BC boy: involved in every sport under the sun and loves being outdoors.  He completed medical school at UBC's Island Medical Program in Victoria and urology residency at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He went on to complete a co-fellowship through the University of Toronto, specializing in both minimally invasive/robotic surgery as well as pediatric urology. Though he has two sub-specialties, he remains passionate about being a true general urologist and treats all urologic conditions.EPISODE 128 will be PART 2 of this episode with Justin Paulsen (Psychotherapist/Couples Counsellor/Clinical Sexologist)THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE SPONSORSRC Health:  Use the link below for a discount at checkout!https://srchealth.com/?ref=PELVICFLOORPROJECTThanks for joining me! Here is where you can find out how to work with me:  www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/mel@pelvicfloorprojectspace.comSupport the show

Larry Ostola speaks with Sylvain Charlebois about his book, Poutine Nation. Poutine Nation traces the evolution of poutine from its origins in rural Quebec to its status as a global phenomenon. Though it was once dismissed as lowbrow junk food, poutine has now earned a place in fine dining, fast food chains, and global pop culture. Through a mix of history, cultural analysis, and personal anecdotes, Poutine Nation examines the social and economic forces behind food trends, exploring why some dishes fade into obscurity while others, like poutine, become beloved worldwide. With a keen eye for detail and a touch of humour, leading food scientist Dr. Sylvain Charlebois investigates poutine's role in Quebec's cultural identity, its place in Canada's culinary landscape, and the politics surrounding its success. He also explores the evolution of food trends, the psychology of taste, and the ways in which poutine's global popularity reflects broader changes in how we eat and connect through food. Sylvain Charlebois is a professor of management and the director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. He is a co-host of The Food Professor podcast. If you like our work, please consider supporting it: bit.ly/support_WTY. Your support contributes to the Champlain Society's mission of opening new windows to directly explore and experience Canada's past.

Recorded live from the stage at the SIAL Innovation Show in Montreal, this special episode of The Voice of Retail dives headfirst into one of the most disruptive forces reshaping commerce: artificial intelligence and its growing influence on how consumers discover, evaluate, and purchase food and grocery products. Michael welcomes Guillaume Mathieu, Co-Founder and Partner at Montreal's ilot, a strategic consultancy helping brands and retailers navigate growth, innovation, and consumer behaviour in Quebec and beyond. Guillaume also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Boillon, a leading B2B media platform for Quebec's agri-food sector, and is himself a podcaster in the brand and food space. Together, they unpack new consumer research revealing a fascinating contradiction: while consumers—especially younger shoppers—are rapidly embracing AI tools in everyday life, many remain hesitant when AI intersects with food. Why? Because food is deeply emotional, personal, and tied to authenticity. Guillaume shares proprietary insights showing that consumers are comfortable with “invisible AI,” such as asking ChatGPT for recipes or meal ideas, but become significantly more skeptical when AI becomes physically visible—whether that's robotic baristas, automated cooking systems, or AI-driven food preparation. The conversation explores how search behaviour is rapidly evolving from short keywords to highly contextual prompts. Consumers are no longer searching “pasta sauce”—they're asking for “a locally made tomato sauce perfect for a Mother's Day dinner.” That shift is creating enormous opportunities for smaller brands to compete against larger incumbents by winning on relevance, storytelling, authenticity, reviews, and discoverability across platforms like Reddit, websites, and emerging generative engines. Michael and Guillaume also examine the rise of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), the next evolution of SEO, and why brands must rethink their digital content strategy immediately. Product pages, recipes, reviews, seasonal content, and contextual storytelling may soon become critical assets in getting surfaced by platforms like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and other AI-powered recommendation engines. On the retail side, the discussion turns to smart appliances, AI-powered grocery ecosystems, and the possibility that refrigerators themselves could become the next e-commerce channel. As technology companies, delivery platforms, and retailers compete for ownership of consumer relationships, this episode offers essential strategic insight for grocers, food brands, marketers, and retail executives.   https://ilotetcie.com/ Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this episode of the Award-winning PRS Journal Club Podcast, 2026 Resident Ambassadors to the PRS Editorial Board – Lucas Harrison, Christopher Kalmar, and Priyanka Naidu- and special guest, Andrea L. Pusic, MD, discuss the following articles from the May 2026 issue: "Prepectoral versus Subpectoral Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: Evaluating the Shift" by Cordray, Khan, Voytik, et al. Read the article for FREE: https://bit.ly/PrePecVSSubPec Dr. Andrea L. Pusic is our special guest. She serves as Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Director of Patient-Reported Outcomes, and the Joseph Murray Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Pusic also holds a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. She completed her general surgery residency at Dalhousie University, followed by a plastic surgery residency at McGill University and a microsurgery fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her clinical practice focuses on breast reconstruction and aesthetic breast surgery, including both autologous tissue reconstruction and implant-based techniques, with a strong emphasis on individualized, patient-centered care and quality-of-life outcomes. An internationally recognized leader in patient-reported outcomes research, Dr. Pusic has authored more than 200 publications. She developed the BREAST-Q, a widely used instrument for measuring patient satisfaction and quality of life after breast surgery. She also co-led the NCI-funded Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium, a multi-institutional collaboration across 11 centers studying patient perspectives on breast reconstruction. Dr. Pusic now leads the PROVE Center, where she advances the use of patient-reported outcomes to improve surgical quality, patient experience, and healthcare value. READ the articles discussed in this podcast as well as free related content: https://bit.ly/JCMay26Collection

Raised and based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Zoe believes in the power of the voice to create community through song, and is constantly learning from her students and colleagues. Zoe holds a full studio of amateur and professional singers, and focuses her teaching on CCM pedagogy. Zoe has coached professional singers and actors, post-secondary and post-graduate students and other vocal coaches. Zoe holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance (Jazz Studies) as well as a Masters of Music (Composition). Zoe holds certificates in Somatic Voicework - The Lovetri Method (Baldwin Wallace University) and Acoustic Vocal Pedagogy (University of Michigan). Zoe uses a holistic approach to teach singing that encourages singers to connect mind, body and voice together to reach their fullest potential as artists. Zoe uses science-informed pedagogy in her teaching that motivates singers to challenge pre-conceived notions about what the human voice is capable of, and what makes a ‘good' singer.In addition to her private vocal studio, Zoe is the director of the Atlantic Contemporary Vocal Institute. Zoe holds current teaching positions in the music departments of St. Francis Xavier University, The Fountain School of Performing Arts at Dalhousie University, and Nova Scotia Community College where her roles include private voice instruction, ensemble direction, and lecturing in songwriting, music theory and history. Zoe also has a popular online training program that delivers singing training opportunities at an affordable cost.Zoe is an accomplished jazz and contemporary vocalist and pianist, songwriter and arranger, who has performed across Canada and the United Kingdom as a solo artist as well as in a variety of contemporary ensembles. Zoe has won and been nominated for East Coast Music Awards and Music Nova Scotia Awards for her solo and collaborative recording projects.Learn more @acvinstitute

In this high-energy live episode of The Voice of Retail, Michael welcomes two dynamic voices shaping the future of retail and consumer brands: Jake Karls and Carl Boutet. Recorded live on location, this spontaneous conversation delivers powerful insights into what it takes to build a modern consumer brand in an increasingly crowded, algorithm-driven marketplace. Jake Karls shares the remarkable growth story behind Mid-Day Squares—from launching the company in Montreal with his sister and brother-in-law to building a vertically integrated manufacturing business producing more than 150,000 bars per day across North America. But this isn't just a product story. Jake explains how Mid-Day Squares intentionally built a media company mindset from day one, hiring content creators before traditional food scientists, documenting their journey, and turning storytelling into one of their most valuable growth engines. Listeners will hear how a major cocoa pricing crisis nearly disrupted the business—and how that challenge sparked one of their biggest innovations: their breakout “No Bread PB&J” product line. Jake reveals how combining product innovation with viral content, emotional storytelling, and fearless authenticity helped the brand secure retailer support and create consumer demand at scale. Carl Boutet brings his trademark strategic lens to the conversation, unpacking why brands must “take back agency” in an era increasingly dominated by AI-generated content and algorithmic sameness. Drawing from themes in his upcoming book, Carl argues that AI is quickly becoming table stakes—not differentiation—and that the brands that win will be those that create genuine emotional connection, distinctiveness, and memorability. The conversation also explores the evolving role of retail media, the power of founder-led storytelling, startup innovation in CPG, and why in a world of automation, human energy may be the ultimate competitive advantage. For retailers, brand builders, entrepreneurs, and marketers trying to understand what cuts through in today's attention economy, this episode delivers practical insights, inspiration, and plenty of laughs.   Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Your doctor tells you that, should you wish to have a child, that child is likely also to carry the disease. But a new gene-editing technology could ensure that your baby is -- and remains -- healthy. Should you do it? Critics say the technology will exacerbate inequality and meddle in the most basic aspect of our humanity. Now, we debate: Should We Use Gene Editing to Make Better Babies? This ethical conundrum is at the crux of this week's debate, originally broadcast in February 2022. Arguing Yes: Dr. George Church, Geneticist & Founder, Personal Genome Project; Professor, Genetics, Wyss Institute and Harvard Medical School Amy Webb, Chief Executive Officer, Future Today Strategy Group; Professor, NYU Stern School of Business  Arguing No: Marcy Darnovsky, Executive Director, Emerita, Center for Genetics and Society  Françoise Baylis, Distinguished Research Professor, Emerita, Dalhousie University; President, Royal Society of Canada  Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates  Join the conversation on Substack - share your perspective on this episode and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for curated insights from our debaters, moderators, and staff.  Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and TikTok to stay connected with our mission and ongoing debates.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the time of year where Canadians would usually start putting their summer travel plans on paper, but this year looks different. Fuel shortages, however, have forced a number of airlines - including Air Canada - to cancel several routes for months, upending where and how Canadians spend their summer. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Lorn Sheehan, professor of strategy and tourism at Dalhousie University to discuss how travelers could brace for a turbulent next few months, and how fast we could feel relief should Iran and the US sustain a lasting ceasefire. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

After a trio of by-elections across Ontario and Quebec, Prime Minister Mark Carney has secured a majority government with 174 seats in the House of Commons. The transition comes after a handful of opposition of MPs - including 4 from the Conservative caucus - crossed the floor to join Carney's liberals. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Lori Turnbull, Political Science professor from Dalhousie University, to discuss Carney's approach to party politics, whether or not Canadians will feel any change in the aftermath, and how Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre could harness this moment for his own benefit. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Guilt can feel uncomfortable and easy to push away, but it is one of those emotions that actually serves an important purpose in our lives.For this episode, Debbie sits down with developmental psychologist Chris Moore, author of The Power of Guilt, to unpack what guilt really is and why it plays such an important role in our lives and relationships. Informed by both research and personal experience, Chris offers a perspective that might completely change how you see this emotion.You'll come away with an understanding of where guilt comes from, how it shows up in everyday life, from childhood to parenting to relationships, and why some people feel it more than others. They also get into topics like apology, forgiveness, and how guilt can actually help us repair and strengthen connections. Listen and Learn: How a single life-altering mistake shaped how Chris understands guilt, responsibility, and forgivenessHow guilt quietly reveals the hidden ways our most important relationships shape what we feel and why we're driven to repair something we might not fully understand yetDoes the guilt you feel over small things like unfinished chores reveal deeper, hidden influences from the relationships that shaped your internal rules and standards?Why feelings like guilt begin much earlier than we assume and later grow into something far more complex and central to relationshipsWhy some people feel guilt far more intensely than others, and how personality, relationships, and even gender differences quietly shape that experience in ways you might not expectWhy feeling like you are never doing enough as a parent might actually come from the very nature of caring for someone vulnerable, and what that reveals about guilt being more automatic than accurateHow guilt can quietly become a tool of control when forgiveness is withheldHow ideas like restorative justice and even collective guilt reshape the way we understand responsibility and emotional repair in societyWhy guilt, though uncomfortable, can actually serve as a powerful internal signal that helps us recognize when a valued relationship may need attention and guide us toward repairing and strengthening itResources:The Power of Guilt: Why We Feel It and Its Surprising Ability to Healhttps://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781637747728Chris' Website: https://www.chrislmoore.comConnect with Chris on Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/mfwguilthttps://www.instagram.com/chrismooreauthorphd/About Chris MooreDr. Chris Moore is a professor of psychology and former dean of science at Dalhousie University in Canada, as well as a former Canada Research Chair at the University of Toronto. He holds a PhD in developmental psychology from the University of Cambridge and an MFA in creative nonfiction from the University of King's College. He has spent his career studying human social understanding and relations, and has published well over 100 research papers, edited 5 books and special issues of academic journals, and authored The Development of Commonsense Psychology (Psychology Press, 2006). He has had numerous invitations to present at academic conferences and universities around the world and has enjoyed many research collaborations in Canada, the United States, Australia, Germany, China, and the UK. Moore's work has been cited in mainstream print publications such as Psychology Today, Today's Parent, and the New York Times. His research has also been featured in a variety of TV documentaries, including The Nature of Things and the Baby Human series on Discovery Health. His new book, The Power of Guilt: Why We Feel It and Its Surprising Ability to Heal, is his first for a general audience. He lives in Nova Scotia with his family.Related episodes: 430. Nonadaptive Guilt and Shame with Carolyn Allard 118. Moral Injury and Shame with Lauren Borges and Jacob Farnsworth 320. Anger and Forgiveness with Robyn Walser 358. How to Keep House While Drowning with KC Davis 341. Self-Forgiveness with Grant Dewar See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are 19 centibillionaires and a growing list of 3,000 billionaires worldwide. So it might not surprise you that the richest one per cent possesses nearly half of the world's wealth. History has never seen such an extreme concentration of wealth. Some economists argue the battle of the 21st century is between oligarchy and democracy. How did we get here? IDEAS begins a four-part documentary series The Billionaire Age.Guests in this episode:Ingrid Robeyns is a philosopher and economist. She is the chair in Ethics of Instutions at Utrecht University and the author of Limitarianism: The Case Against Extreme Wealth.Lucas Chancel is the co-director of The World Inequality Lab and a professor at the Paris School of Economics.Gabriel Zucman is also the co-director of The World Inequality Lab. He is a professor at the Paris School of Economics and the University of California, Berkeley.Nitin Bharti is an economist and lecturer at The University of Western Australia. He is the South and South Asia coordinator at the World Inequality Lab.Lars Osberg is an economics professor at Dalhousie University, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His latest book is The Scandalous Rise of Inequality in Canada.Abigail Disney is an American film producer, philanthropist and social activist. She is a member of Patriotic Millionaires which advocates for higher taxes on the wealthy.Paul Krugman is an American economist and the winner of the 2008 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.Tim Wu is a Canadian/American legal scholar and a professor at Columbia Law School. He is also a contributing opinion writer at the New York Times. His latest book is The Age of Extraction: How Tech Platforms Conquered the Economy and Threaten Our Future Prosperity.Nick Hanauer is an American entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He co-authored his latest book with Joan Walsh and Donald Cohen, Corporate Bullsh*t: Exposing The Lies and Half-Truths that Protect Profit, Power and Wealth in America. And he hosts the podcast: Pitchfork Economics.Guido Alfani is a professor of economic history at Bocconi University, Milan, Italy. His latest book is As Gods Among Men: A History of the Rich in the West.

Episode 408: In August 2015, 22-year-old Dalhousie University physics student Taylor Samson walked into an apartment on Henry Street in Halifax, Nova Scotia, carrying 20 pounds of marijuana. He never walked out. What followed became one of Nova Scotia's most closely watched murder cases. William “Will” Sandeson — a former university track athlete and incoming medical student — was arrested days later. Surveillance footage showed Samson entering Sandeson's apartment. Blood and DNA evidence tied the scene to a fatal gunshot. Samson's body was never recovered. This is the story of Taylor Samson's disappearance, and the long road to justice for his killer. Sources: Statement from Dalhousie University regarding charges laid in Taylor Samson caseWilliam Sandeson | Global News, Videos & ArticlesHow a Drug-Dealing Med Student Was Convicted of Murder | VICEMurder trial told of evidence found in ice-cream truck at Sandeson farm | CBC NewsPolice search for Dalhousie student's body as track athlete faces murder charge CityNewsR. v. Sandeson, 2025 NSCA 86 (CanLII)R. v. Sandeson, 2024 NSCA 72 (CanLII)R. v. Sandeson, 2023 NSSC 130 (CanLII)R. v. Sandeson, 2023 NSSC 64 (CanLII)R. v. Sandeson, 2022 NSSC 387 (CanLII)R. v. Sandeson, 2022 NSSC 254 (CanLII)R. v. Sandeson, 2022 NSSC 151 (CanLII)R. v. Sandeson, 2022 NSSC 111 (CanLII)R. v. Sandeson, 2020 NSCA 47 (CanLII)R. v. Sandeson, 2017 NSSC 193 (CanLII)R. v. Sandeson, 2017 NSSC 146 (CanLII) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices