Podcasts about Halifax

This week the Remarkable Retail podcast delivers a dynamic mix of breaking retail news and an in-depth interview with a top retail innovators, Lauren Steinberg, Loblaw Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Loblaw, Canada's biggest retailer.Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc kick off a wide-ranging news segment, analyzing how tariffs, inflation, and global economic uncertainty are reshaping retail. They explore the upcoming Federal Reserve decision, the rise in food and apparel costs, energy pressures tied to AI-driven data centers, and how these forces are squeezing consumers' discretionary spending. The hosts also discuss RH's Paris flagship opening as a bold case study in reinvention, contrasting the brand formerly known as Restoration Hardware's bold ambition with the incremental strategies that have failed legacy brands. Finally, they highlight Sam's Club's new digital-first presentation layer—showing how even complex retailers can aim higher, move faster, and deliver remarkable customer experiences.Guest Lauren Steinberg--who recently assumed the expanded role of Chief Digital Officer at Loblaw after a decade leading digital, loyalty, and retail media--offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Loblaw is serving nearly every Canadian through its grocery, pharmacy, financial services, and apparel businesses, anchored by iconic brands like President's Choice, and Joe Fresh.Laurnen explains how Loblaw's digital strategy is centered on convenience, affordability, and relevance, with AI playing a critical role in personalization, supply chain efficiency, and the evolution toward agentic AI. Lauren also details the company's fast-growing retail media network, designed to connect brands with customers in ways that are accountable, measurable, and integrated across both digital and physical retail. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.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, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. 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 fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. 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.

On this episode we look back at the lose against Forge. We talk about substitution strategy, how our new Wanderer, Reshaun Walkes looked and we might line up in our next game without Lorenzo.  Derek also talks about Erin Mcleod's retirement and the lose to Toronto. All this and more!! 

"Long before American Idol and Americas Got Talent, there was Star Search. It was pretty schmaltzy but looking back, some of the biggest singers, actors and comedians got their big break on Star Search. We have grabbed as many examples as we could."

The property world is in uproar with rumours of new tax changes. Headlines and speculation are everywhere, but what's really going on? Tune in as Rob & Rob share what you actually need to know, and most importantly, explain what it could mean for investors. Watch Rob D's brand new YouTube video for a deeper dive into the government's latest updates.   (0:47) The latest news for house prices.   (7:05) Does the rental market continue to grow?   (9:30) News from the House of Commons.  (18:33) What on earth is happening with the Renters Rights Bill?   (18:22) Hub Extra.   Links mentioned:  House Prices:  Annual house price growth softens in August  Halifax house price index  Rightmove house price index  London house prices to outperform rest of UK   Rental Market:   Private rent and house prices  Rental market holds firm as stock levels climb despite Renters' Rights Bill concerns   Government:  Landlords could face tax on rental income in budget  Reeves considers replacing stamp duty with new property tax  Reeves leaves no stone unturned as she mulls reforms for property tax  Reed becomes new housing secretary after Rayner exit     Renters Rights Bill:  Renters' Rights Bill is back in Parliament as finish line approaches  Other:  Alex Hormozi   Enjoy the show?  Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - it really helps others find us!  Sign up for our free weekly newsletter, Property Pulse  Find out more about Property Hub Invest 

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In this second podcast for Disability History month, and Triple Vision's 60th episode, host Hanna Leavitt speaks with Miguel Agayo of the Accessibility Hamilton Alliance about the book “The blind Mechanic”: The Amazing Story of Eric Davidson, Survivor of the 1917 Halifax Explosion”. Written by his daughter, Marilyn Davidson Elliott, the book is a biography of a pioneering Haligonian who defied all expectations to take up car mechanics.In 1917 Eric was two years old and playing in front of the window of his Halifax home when two ships collided leading to what at the time was the world's largest non-nuclear explosion. Approximately 2,000 individuals were killed, and 9,000 injured. Eric was one of 37 people who lost his vision that day. He went on to attend the Halifax School for the Blind, but unconventional, he defied all expectations of him becoming a washing machine repair man and followed his father and brothers into the field of car mechanics. He worked as a mechanic in Halifax, Toronto and Ottawa and lead the way in breaking the stereotype of what blind Canadians are capable of. Join Hanna and Miguel as they discuss the historical context of the Halifax explosion and the extraordinary life of Eric Davidson in this month's podcast."He continually took the engine apart, and put it back together again to create a mental map of what goes where. He also experimented by disconnecting a part, listening to the engine, feeling its vibration. … He would listen to find what made that noise, what made the vibration, what made that smell."

What if mastering the art of asking questions could turn you into an unstoppable leader? In this episode, Kevin chats with Dave Reynolds about how powerful questions can unlock deeper thinking, foster ownership, and promote growth in individuals and organizations. Dave shares insights on building a coaching culture where curiosity sparks conversations in every direction—up, down, and across. He explains the science behind how our brains respond differently to questions compared to directives and offers strategies for shifting from transactional to transformational leadership. From mirroring and probing to reframing and follow-up, Kevin and Dave explore practical ways leaders can build trust, strengthen relationships, and achieve better results. Listen For 00:00 Welcome and Big Questions About Leadership 01:45 Meet Guest Dave Reynolds 02:11 Technical Glitch and Transition 02:19 Introducing Dave's Background 02:36 About Rumin8 Group and Radicle Growth 03:09 Dave Joins the Conversation 03:25 Dave's Journey to Writing the Book 03:57 Why Dave Wrote Radicle Growth 04:28 From Consulting to Authoring and Training 04:49 How the Book Idea Was Born 05:04 The Promise Behind “Unstoppable Leader” 06:01 What “Unstoppable” Really Means 07:06 Creating a Coaching Culture 08:00 Coaching Up, Down, and Across 09:06 Science Behind Asking Questions 10:13 Neurological Impact and Ownership 10:55 Barriers to Asking Questions 12:00 Why Leaders Avoid Asking Questions 13:08 Being Proactive vs. Reactive with Questions 14:21 You Don't Need to Know All the Answers 15:13 Transactional vs. Transformational Leadership 16:27 Creating a Mindset Shift Around Coaching 17:15 Types of Questions to Ask 18:05 Confirming and Mirroring Questions 19:24 The Power of Silence and Mirroring 20:33 Building Trust Through Questions 21:18 The “If You Did Know” Question Hack 21:59 Paraphrasing and Confirming for Clarity 22:11 Probing Beyond Surface-Level Responses 23:42 Questions as a Relationship Builder 24:23 The Importance of Follow-Up Questions 25:33 Accountability as Motivation 26:07 Coaching at a Distance (Remote Teams) 27:20 Creating Connection for Remote Employees 28:06 What Dave Does for Fun 28:44 What Dave is Reading 29:41 Where to Find More About Dave and Rumin8 Group Dave's Story: Dave Reynolds is the author of Radicle Growth: Transform into an Unstoppable Leader Through Mastering the Art of Questions. He is a serial entrepreneur who has launched and developed numerous new products and services over nearly two decades. He is the founder and CEO of The Rumin8 Group, a Growth Consulting firm that helps clients think strategically, facilitate team growth, and navigate crucial conversations. With a background in sales leadership, performance management, and succession planning, Dave is passionate about growth acceleration and how asking the right questions yields the best answers. He lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.   This Episode is brought to you by... Flexible Leadership is every leader's guide to greater success in a world of increasing complexity and chaos.  Book Recommendations Radicle Growth: Transform into an Unstoppable Leader through Mastering the Art of Questions by Dave Reynolds  Buy Back Your Time: Get Unstuck, Reclaim Your Freedom, and Build Your Empire by Dan Martell The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less by Richard Koch Like this? Beautiful Questions with Warren Berger Leading with Questions with Bob Tiede   Join Our Community If you want to view our live podcast episodes, hear about new releases, or chat with others who enjoy this podcast join one of our communities below. Join the Facebook Group Join the LinkedIn Group   Leave a Review If you liked this conversation, we'd be thrilled if you'd let others know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Here's a quick guide for posting a review. Review on Apple: https://remarkablepodcast.com/itunes    Podcast Better! Sign up with Libsyn and get up to 2 months free! Use promo code: RLP  

In the latest episode in the Scope Optimization series on The 20/20 Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Mark Eltis who is the President of the College of Optometrists of Ontario, a Director of the ABO, and well-renowned speaker/educator in the industry.In the episode, Dr. Mark Eltis touches on variety of topics related scope modernization including:Optimizing scope is in the best interest of the publicOptometrists are already equipped with the tools to perform many advanced proceduresHis experience with completing the Advanced Procedures Program at the University of WaterlooWhy he believes it is an exciting time to be in optometryWatch/listen to previous episodes in the Scope Optimization Series:https://aboutmyeyes.com/scope-expansion/Stay tuned for more episodes in the series.Big thanks to the CAO for giving us the space to record these episodes during the Biennial Congress in Halifax this summer.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/

Get your matching, couture quilt hoodies here! It's a party in Halifax and you're invited! WARNING: There are some Sarah J. Maas universe references (character names, abbreviated descriptions), but no plot spoilers. DOUBLE WARNING: Take 2 at telling the scary story. In person, in Halifax, with Odum and ghosts. A special thank you to Piixel Studios! NEXT UP: Empire of Storms, Ch. 1 - 13, dropping Wednesday, September 17th, 2025. Voice memos and emails to sandtfaemail@gmail.com! Season 1: A Court of Thorns and Roses Series (ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas Season 2: Throne of Glass Series (TOG) by Sarah J. Maas

This week on Make It with Mike and Kristen, we're joined by the incomparable Richie Wilcox — performer, playwright, and co-founder of the trailblazing performance company, HEIST.   Richie takes us home to New Waterford, Cape Breton, where his latest show Coal Bowl Queen was inspired by the legendary Coal Bowl basketball tournament that's been bringing teams together since 1982. We talk about the show's launch at Alderney Landing on September 11, and how Richie's deep roots continue to fuel his creativity.   From sharing the stage with Rita MacNeil as a child, to placing in the top 10 on Canadian Idol, to meeting his husband Aaron Collier at Halifax's own Reflections, Richie's story is one of fearless authenticity and constant reinvention. We explore his decision to leave behind an academic path for a life devoted to art, how he's carved out space for bold, unconventional work, and why he continues to inspire audiences across Canada.   Funny, thoughtful, and endlessly talented, Richie is a reminder that true artistry comes from living unapologetically and making space for others to do the same.   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeandkristen   Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mikeandkristen   Us on the web: www.mikeandkristen.ca Instagram: www.instagram.com/mike_and_kristen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeandkristencreative Shoot us a message! Say hello, tell us who you think we should have on the podcast, and your deepest and darkest secrets: mikeandkristencreative@gmail.com  Review our book "You and Me" on Amazon (it helps a lot!!): https://amzn.to/3qqNCMo Intro song: “A Day in the Life" Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com Kristen's site: www.kristenherringtonart.com  Richie's IG: https://www.instagram.com/newwaterfordboy/ Coal Bowl Queen Tickets: https://www.easternfronttheatre.com/coal-bowl-queen

Join us as we look at six places throughout the world that hold deep significance in history and should never be forgotten as we forge forward in today's uncertain world.As everyday travellers, it can be challenging to know how we can be better travellers and humans.We feel that one way is to visit these sites of significance, immerse yourself in the history, understand the impact of the events there and pass that on to others.May we never repeat the atrocities of the past and appreciate the lives we are currently living, understanding history is happening right now, and the suffering in the world right now should also not be forgotten.Support the Travel Mug Podcast by buying us a coffee! You'll make our day & you'll get access to fun stuff like bloopers and extra content.We have Merch! Shop the Travel Mug Podcast Store Check out our fav items here: Our Favourite Travel ProductsGRAB OUR MASTER PACKING LIST HERE*****************************************We are travel enthusiasts who do not claim to be professionals! Instead, we are two Halifax, NS natives with travel blogs who somehow found one another on the internet, and now, we have a podcast!!Join us every week as we talk about our favourite destinations, travel tips, travel fails, and all things travel!We have a big passion for travelling and talking about travel, so we hope you will listen and join the conversation.You can find us here:Our WebsiteFacebookInstagramJenn's Travel Blog Jenn's YouTube channelDisclaimer: All episodes are based on our opinions and experiences. Always do your research and make travel plans based on your budget and comfort levels.Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: @MOVE100Halifax, @ErinHopkinsFM & @PeterAtMove100

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It's James and his wife's 19th wedding anniversary and he has just an hour before he hotfoots it to Halifax for multiple shows and appearances, so he is spending this precious time with you lovely ramblers! It's an eventful week with shipwrecks, humpback whales, earthquakes and more, but thanks to a team of heroic New Brunswickers, the phenomenal musical Come From Away is bringing joy to thousands in the province and the timing couldn't be better. Also this week: Cow Bay, Highest 2 Lowest, Platonic, Weapons, the genius of Kelly Lawson and so much more! James' 2026 Halifax tour date at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium goes on sale next week but exclusive pre-sale is available now! Just click here and use the code CANADAPlease send any questions to comedy@jamesmullinger.comFor podcast sponsorship opportunities please email Jonathan Burns at jon@podstarter.ioProduced by Podstarter

Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlancs analyze the week's most impactful retail developments: a U.S. appeals-court ruling that may require massive Trump era tariff refunds  new India duties; fast-moving shifts in de minimis thresholds; and mounting pressure on global supply chains, small businesses, and retailers alike. They analyze how these disruptions will disrupt importers like Tapestry and Lululemon, and shift the retail earnings divide—even as consumer confidence wavers and labor issues—like ICE raids—further muddy the waters.In the featured interview with two visionary luxury executives: Amit Kaswani, Chief Omnichannel Officer at Chalhoub Group, and Stacie Henderson Capece Minutolo, Chief Marketing Officer Americas at Tod's Group. Amit outlines Chalhoub's omnichannel-first game plan, including end-to-end logistics and loyalty ecosystems that reach millions—backed by AI-powered personalization, predictive analytics, and conversational commerce tools. He emphasizes how customer experience, augmented by technology, is a differentiator, not a replacement for human interaction.Stacie shares Tod's strategy in the Americas, targeting high net worth clients and next-gen shoppers through experiential storytelling, cultural relevance, and digital scale. She references campaigns like "Italian Diaries," where in-person luxury activations generate exponential online impressions. She also discusses Tod's AI governance framework—a cross-functional task force merging marketing, e-commerce, finance, and customer service to ensure innovation is purposeful and aligned.As both guest leaders gear up to speak at Shoptalk Luxe, which runs 27–29 January 2026 at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi, luxe.shoptalk.com+1, they tease the frameworks, case studies, and strategies they'll be presenting on global luxury, loyalty, and AI innovation.The episode closes with Michael and Steve spotlighting standout moments: GLP-1 weight-loss drug innovations, Google's Nano Banana image-generation tool, and the looming U.S. interest rate decision, crippling shutdown threats, and Simons' opening in Toronto's Eaton Centre, replacing Nordstrom. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.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, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. 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 fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. 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.

Guest: Paola Marignani, PhD, EMBA Single-cell RNA sequencing is transforming our understanding of tumor heterogeneity in primary lung cancers by offering insights far beyond traditional bulk sequencing. In this program, Dr. Paola Marignani explores how advanced machine learning enables faster, more precise profiling of genetic diversity, predictive modeling for recurrence and drug resistance, and personalized treatment strategies. Dr. Marignani is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Novia Scotia, and she spoke about this topic at the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer.

We go through rivals round this week with some crucial results! Who takes 6th place? Who is winning clubman of the year? and who is Halifax's new signing? Another classic only in rugby league segment! Plus plenty more laughs!

Guest: Paola Marignani, PhD, EMBA Single-cell RNA sequencing is transforming our understanding of tumor heterogeneity in primary lung cancers by offering insights far beyond traditional bulk sequencing. In this program, Dr. Paola Marignani explores how advanced machine learning enables faster, more precise profiling of genetic diversity, predictive modeling for recurrence and drug resistance, and personalized treatment strategies. Dr. Marignani is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Novia Scotia, and she spoke about this topic at the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer.

Follow us on Instagram: @MOVE100Halifax, @ErinHopkinsFM & @PeterAtMove100

UK economic signals painted a mixed picture last week. Retail sales beat expectations in July, though sharp backward revisions tempered optimism, while Halifax data showed house prices at record highs despite affordability concerns. Yet headwinds remain, as employment contracted at its fastest pace in four years following the payroll tax raid and borrowing costs climbed, heightening the risks of a housing slowdown. Services Purchasing Managers' Index (“PMI”) growth offered resilience, but manufacturing and construction remained weak, with cement production at 1950s lows. Bank of England (“BoE”) officials struck a cautious tone, signalling slower rate cuts and bond sales, as inflation expectations ticked higher, underscoring persistent structural fragility...Stocks featured:Admiral Group, Babcock International and FresnilloTo find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website:https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management's own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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At 9:04 a.m., Halifax was torn apart in an instant. One moment it was a thriving wartime city, the next, it was fire, thunder, and ruin. A fireball as hot as the surface of the sun ignited the harbour. Shockwaves ripped through homes and streets. A wall of water followed, drowning what the flames had spared. In this second part of our two-part series, we return to the stories of Francis Mackey, Vincent Coleman, and Kaye Chapman as we explore the devastation that unfolded in the hours and days after the blast. Entire neighbourhoods vanished. Families were torn apart. The city would never be the same. The scars of the Halifax Explosion were not only etched into people, buildings, and the landscape. Something less tangible was also left behind. For over a century, ghost stories have circulated through the city, many tied directly to that morning. At St. Paul's, a shattered window still carries the outline of a figure who looked toward the harbour at the fatal moment. At the Five Fishermen Restaurant, once a morgue overwhelmed with the dead, staff still hear voices and see a bearded man vanish into thin air. These hauntings are part of Halifax's inheritance. The spirits of December 6, 1917 linger, a spectral imprint of a tragedy that reshaped the city forever. Step into the ruins, hear stories of survival, and of those that still linger. Now streaming: Halifax Explosion: Aftermath. Listen to Episode 208 – Halifax Explosion: Before the Blast For information or to get tickets for our ghost tours or paranormal adventures, please visit hauntedwalk.com. 

Joshua Saunders is a Halifax based cinematographer and documentary filmmaker. His latest work, 'Last Ride Home', is coming to the Lunenburg Doc Festival on Sept 20th. This film details the profound human cost of the Ukraine war by shining a light on the lives of volunteer medics providing aid on the frontlines, families left waiting in uncertainty and for husbands and fathers who may never return home. Alex Guye spoke with Josh. Here's that conversation.

In this dynamic episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes Fawad Baig, Retail Industry Lead, Accenture Canada, to unpack Accenture's latest global consumer report: Me, My Brand, and AI. With insights drawn from over 18,000 respondents worldwide, including Canadians, this research sheds light on how uncertainty and generative AI are reshaping consumer trust, loyalty, and shopping behavior.Fawad explains that more than 57% of Canadian consumers report unusually high levels of uncertainty in their daily lives—double the levels recorded in late 2024. In response, many are turning to generative AI tools not only for shopping recommendations but also for personal advice, creating a powerful new form of trust and reliance. In fact, 46% of Canadians have already made purchases influenced by AI, and 72% would welcome an AI-powered personal shopper.The conversation dives deep into what this means for retailers. While brand loyalty in Canada remains strong, a striking 35% of consumers say they would switch brands based on AI-driven recommendations—a level of volatility that opens both risks and opportunities. For retailers willing to adapt, the shift from personalization to proactive engagement offers a competitive edge.Michael and Fawad also discuss the rise of AI agents, tools that autonomously seek out products on behalf of consumers, potentially bypassing loyalty programs and traditional marketing tactics. Fawad emphasizes that retailers need to prepare for this new reality by rethinking product data, metadata strategies, and how they present contextual value across digital platforms.Beyond consumer-facing strategies, the discussion touches on the vital importance of ethical AI, data governance, and building trust through transparency. Fawad stresses that once trust is lost, it is nearly impossible to regain—a warning for brands rushing headlong into AI adoption without the proper safeguards.The episode closes with actionable advice for retailers:Start investing in AI to deliver curated, personalized, and measurable consumer experiences.Start preparing for the reality of AI agents shaping consumer choice.Stop underestimating the power of existing loyalty programs, which remain a crucial bridge to long-term engagement. Read the reporthttps://www.accenture.com/content/dam/accenture/final/accenture-com/document-3/Accenture-Me-My-Brand-and-AI.pdf#zoom=40 The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. 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, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. 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.

"Here is a game to play. Name as many two minute songs as you can following these rules. Only one song per group and you cannot name just punk songs. We then go one step farther and change the game to as many one minute songs as you can."

Season Six, Episode Two of The Food Professor Podcast, presented by Caddle, blends sharp industry commentary with a fascinating guest interview. Hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois kick off with a rapid-fire news roundup before diving deep into the global lobster story with award-winning journalist and author Greg Mercer.The news segment sets the tone with big changes in consumer packaged goods. Kraft Heinz's decision to split operations sparks debate on the future of “bigger is better” corporate strategies, recalling the infamous ketchup wars and highlighting how local plants may be impacted. The hosts also explore the collapse of Yves, a once-beloved Canadian plant-based food brand, and the broader struggles facing Beyond Meat and other players in the competitive, margin-tight meat alternatives market. Meal kits return to the spotlight with fresh survey data showing usage doubling since pre-pandemic levels, despite consumer pushback over price and packaging waste. Other highlights include Canadian trade friction over canola biofuel, positive signals in Canada–India relations, and Doug Ford's controversial Crown Royal protest following Diageo's U.S. plant shift. Wrapping up, the hosts acknowledge leadership transitions at McDonald's Canada and the Retail Council of Canada.The second half welcomes Greg Mercer, investigative reporter for The Globe and Mail and author of The Lobster Trap: The Global Fight for a Seafood on the Brink. Mercer shares his journey into journalism, the painstaking work of investigative reporting, and the inspirations behind his first book. He explains how lobster evolved from a “cockroach of the sea” to a global luxury product, and why the industry now sits at a dangerous crossroads. From the collapse of Rhode Island's lobster fishery to escalating tensions between Indigenous and commercial fisheries in Nova Scotia, Mercer paints a vivid picture of an industry both lucrative and fragile. He examines the outsized role of China as a market driver, the looming threat of climate change, and the urgent need for ecological—not just economic—policy decisions to prevent history from repeating the cod fishery collapse of the 1990s. The Food Professor #podcast is presented by Caddle. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Professor in food distribution and policy in the Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University. Before joining Dalhousie, he was affiliated with the University of Guelph's Arrell Food Institute, which he co-founded. Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. Google Scholar ranks him as one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability.He has authored five books on global food systems, his most recent one published in 2017 by Wiley-Blackwell entitled “Food Safety, Risk Intelligence and Benchmarking”. He has also published over 500 peer-reviewed journal articles in several academic publications. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, including The Lancet, The Economist, the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, BBC, NBC, ABC, Fox News, Foreign Affairs, the Globe & Mail, the National Post and the Toronto Star.Dr. Charlebois sits on a few company boards, and supports many organizations as a special advisor, including some publicly traded companies. Charlebois is also a member of the Scientific Council of the Business Scientific Institute, based in Luxemburg. Dr. Charlebois is a member of the Global Food Traceability Centre's Advisory Board based in Washington DC, and a member of the National Scientific Committee of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in Ottawa. 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, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. 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 fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. 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 the debut episode of Season Four of the Conversations with CommerceNext podcast, our guest is  Ken Pilot—retail executive, tech investor, and host of The Retail Pilot: Leaders & Legends podcast.Ken's legendary career spans decades and includes pivotal roles such as President of Gap Global, Factory Stores at Ralph Lauren, and leadership positions at J.Crew, American Eagle, and ABC Carpet & Home. He takes us behind the scenes of launching Gap Outlet, transforming a single underperforming store into over 100 high-margin locations in just 36 months, ultimately making it the most profitable division at Gap. The conversation then shifts to current macro challenges, particularly tariffs and global sourcing. Ken unpacks the "tariff math" few are talking about, warning that even modest increases could wipe out 10 points of margin, especially for smaller brands without pricing power or manufacturing flexibility. He anticipates a hit to Southeast Asia, outlines strategic moves by companies like Gap to diversify sourcing, and speculates on the economic implications for North American retail.Next, Ken delves into the retail tech landscape, providing a forward-looking perspective on Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), the emergence of natural language search, and how retailers must adapt both on-site and externally to remain visible and competitive. He highlights the companies he's advising and investing in, including "Curated For You" (an AI-driven occasion-based merchandising platform) and "Raspberry AI" (tools that help designers iterate visuals from sketches to campaign-ready assets). He also discusses the creative tension AI can introduce and how forward-thinking teams are adapting.Finally, we examine the potential of Retail Media Networks (RMNs) as an underutilized profit stream, particularly in a high-cost, low-margin environment. Ken balances caution with optimism, emphasizing the need for retailers to experiment, remain agile, and stay laser-focused on the customer and core product offering. About UsJennifer MarloHead of Content, CommerceNextJennifer Marlo drives industry-leading programming at CommerceNext, drawing on experience from Ascendant Network and iMedia Connection, where she spearheaded content strategies to inspire retail, brand and agency marketing leaders. Guided by the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” Jennifer uses in-person and digital platforms to educate and foster industry collaboration. Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.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, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. 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 fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. 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.

The Remarkable Retail Podcast kicks off Season 11 with a powerful episode featuring a first-ever guest co-host: Ethan Chernofsky, Chief Marketing Officer of Placer.ai. The episode opens with a lively discussion of tariffs and trade turbulence, a recurring theme reshaping global retail strategies. Ethan shares data-driven insights from Placer.ai on how consumer behavior is shifting under economic uncertainty, while Steve highlights how pricing power and category positioning determine which retailers can weather cost pressures. Together, they unpack what's next as outsized tariffs hit key markets like India, Brazil, and Switzerland.The conversation then pivots to retailer performance, starting with Target's leadership shake-up. Steve critiques the choice of an insider CEO while Ethan provides Placer.ai traffic data showing continuing traffic declines. The group debates Target's future—whether its famed “Tar-zhay” positioning can be revived by refocusing on differentiation. From there, they contrast Target's struggles with Walmart's momentum, exploring how digital sales, retail media, and membership growth continue to power the world's largest retailer's outsized performance..Speaking of Amazon, the trio examines the company's great expanded same-day grocery delivery, setting up a fresh battleground with Walmart. They also analyze the broader bifurcation of retail, where premium players and discounters gain share while middle-market brands face mounting challenges.Moving on the episode digs into the most talked about stories making headlines. Topics include the Cracker Barrel rebrand backlash, American Eagle's bold Sydney Sweeney campaign, and the AI battle for talent, which borders on the ridiculous..Finally, the team peers around the corner, curious about whether iconic brands in transition such as Gap, Kohl's, Macy's, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's can regain any traction in the fae of growing headwinds. They also discuss shifting enclosed mall dynamics of malls. Ethan underscores that while A-class malls thrive with innovative tenants, some moribund B-class centers are finding new life by reinventing themselves. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.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, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. 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 fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. 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.

The first day of school is a lunch bag letdown for students at Dalhousie University in Halifax. A lockout means most classes have been cancelled, and it's not clear when they will start up again.And: The military has a spare parts problem. A CBC exclusive on Canada's battle readiness.Also: The legacy of Graham Greene. The Oscar-nominated Canadian actor died yesterday. He lit up stages and screens for decades, leaving a powerful legacy for Indigenous talent.Plus: Landslide in Sudan, Trump says he will send the national guard to Chicago, Chinese students launch a class action lawsuit over delayed study permits, rebuilding the Kibbutz Nir Oz near the Gaza border after October 7th, and more.

What's the connection between Halifax, the White House, and “The Star-Spangled Banner”?

Send us a message or question! This week James interviews Jane about her first Bomber Command book, "Above Us the Stars: 10 Squadron Bomber Command  - The Wireless Operator's Story." We can't believe it's taken us 53 episodes to finally get around to discussing it!  Jane shares with listeners the background to the book, her motivation for writing it, and describes her research processes (including what it feels like to sit in the wireless op's position in a Halifax). Jane traces her great uncle Jack Clyde's journey from apprentice joiner in a small mining town on the Durham coast to bombing raids over the Ruhr Valley. (Part 2 available for subscribers now, for everyone else on 10 September) Signed copies are available direct from Jane's website at https://www.justcuriousjane.com/store-buy-books/Plain copies are available from all good booksellers, as well as Amazon. There's also a kindle version if that's your thing https://amzn.eu/d/aT1OfHgSupport the showPlease subscribe to Never Mind The Dambusters wherever you get your podcasts. You can support the show, and help us produce great content, by becoming a paid subscriber from just $3 a month here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/support . Supporters get early access to episodes and invitations to livestreams. Thank you for listening! You can reach out to us on social media at @RAF_BomberPod (X) or @NeverMindTheDambusters (Instagram)You can find out about James' research, articles, lectures and podcasts here .You can read more about Jane's work on her website at https://www.justcuriousjane.com/, and listen to podcasts/media stuff here

When planning a trip, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by all of the so-called "must-dos" - but what makes a must-do, and do you have to do them all? Meggan dives into this question and talks about her experiences!Support the Travel Mug Podcast by buying us a coffee! You'll make our day & you'll get access to fun stuff like bloopers and extra content.We have Merch! Shop the Travel Mug Podcast Store Check out our fav items here: Our Favourite Travel ProductsGRAB OUR MASTER PACKING LIST HERE*****************************************We are travel enthusiasts who do not claim to be professionals! Instead, we are two Halifax, NS natives with travel blogs who somehow found one another on the internet, and now, we have a podcast!!Join us every week as we talk about our favourite destinations, travel tips, travel fails, and all things travel!We have a big passion for travelling and talking about travel, so we hope you will listen and join the conversation.You can find us here:Our WebsiteFacebookInstagramJenn's Travel Blog Jenn's YouTube channelDisclaimer: All episodes are based on our opinions and experiences. Always do your research and make travel plans based on your budget and comfort levels.Support the show

Today's guest is Deny Sullivan!Deny is a local economist in Halifax, and Deny has taken a fascination with Halifax's and Canada's housing market, whether that is homeownership for homebuyers or people in the rental market looking for potential markets. On today's episode Deny and I discuss the impacts Toronto and Vancouver's economies and housing markets have on the rest of Canada. The impact of come-from-away's had on Halifax and Nova Scotia's local housing markets, the impact the Federal Governments Housing Accelerator Fund is having in Halifax, and what other municipalities decided to do with the money provided by the governement. And a little bit of a rant of Halifax's capped property tax system!Enjoy!Deny Sullivan https://x.com/DenySullyhttps://deny.substack.com/Jason Paul902-220-7357jason@infinityrealestategroup.ca@jasonpaulhalifaxrealtor

Where in the world am I? In San Diego today. Trip Summary 2   Hi there. I'm Dr. Mary Travelbest, recently on a 90-day journey around the world, excited to connect with fellow travelers and share our experiences.   Listener Story Spotlight    Today's listener story is about 79 year old Sandi Biback who I met in Toronto and helped organize an afternoon with women from the JourneyWoman organization. She was called in to help and rose to the occasion. She is traveling to Bhutan in October and has shared several tips with me for purchasing Travel insurance. She's seasoned in Travel experiences and business conferences. She has been an active traveler for many decades. I tip my head to you, Sandi, and thank you for helping out in Toronto. Quick-fire FAQ: The FAQ for today is: about Single Supplements. These are extra fees that are essentially doubled when part of a package group tour. Refer to the notes for further information on this topic. When do I want to pay for them or not? Look at this link.    There may be times you will pay for this, but the practice is getting attention with cruise ship business, and the more successful ones are eliminating the fees or reducing them dramatically. I had to pay for a whole room on my cruise from Helsinki to Stockholm for one night. It was a tiny room on one of the lower levels, with no window. I'll address this issue again in future episodes, but I'd like to hear from you on the topic, too.   60-second confidence challenge   Find a world map, whether it is a flat map, a round map, or an atlas. Get one and explore the map as if you lived in the world. You do. I challenge you to know your geography a little better than you did yesterday. If you like today's Confidence Challenge, Chapter 3 of my book dives deeper—link in description.”   See Book A for addressing all of these items. Find it on our website at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It's a several-part series.   Destination Deep‑Dive Today's special destination is:  A summary of my 90-day trip. Part Two  I ended Part One of this summary with my visit to South Africa, specifically Johannesburg. Let's move forward now on the second half. I flew on the shortest day of the year in the southern hemisphere, June 21, to the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere on June 22, when I landed in Athens, Greece, flying through and stopping off in Qatar overnight. Qatar's airport was immense.e I was shocked at how large it was. It was actually like a little city and quite the Commerce capital of the world from my perspective. You could stay there for weeks without going outside if you wanted to. There was just so much going on at any time of the day. I tried to access the airport lounge as I had a very long layover. Still, they insisted I couldn't check in until three hours before my flight or something like that, so I had to shop and come back. When I did go to the airport lounge, it was delightful, even at two in the morning. My credit card for this trip allowed me to use the Priority Pass lounges and even bring a guest, so I took advantage of that benefit and passed it on to others who became friends along the way. Now back to Greece. I didn't have a clear plan for what I was going to do in Athens. I stayed at a hostel located in a not-so-great area of the city. It was on the fringe, and by that I mean the only stores nearby were small markets that primarily sold take-out groceries. No other stores, such as dry cleaners or dog grooming shops, were in the neighborhood. The residents here were mainly short-termers, not people planning to stay for very long, hence markets that sold convenience goods. However, they were not called 7-11's or chain stores, and inside, they had a small selection because the stores were small for the most part. There were many intersecting streets, and not all of them had well-marked names. I also had some struggles with Google Maps on this trip, but I enjoyed the visit nonetheless. I went to an island called Hydra. The locals called Ira, and then I also went and visited an island called Paris. I stayed overnight on the island and had a pleasant visit, spending time swimming in the ocean, hiking along the shore, and exploring its natural beauty.  The next day, when I returned to Athens, I checked back into the hostel, more for convenience and budget, and stayed one more night. I did feel a bit more secure. I remember it being so hot that even several stores and shops had closed. I took a taxi to the Acropolis Museum and enjoyed the air conditioning inside before heading back to my Hostel. The next day, I took a train to Thessaloniki, a five-hour ride, and stayed there for two nights to explore the outskirts of other cities beyond Athens. I returned to Athens a few days later and visited the Acropolis, the architectural museum, as well as several other local places of interest. I flew to Krakow, Poland, and then to Warsaw, Poland. I then returned to Dansk for another night. These cities hold significant historical importance for World War II. However, when I arrived at Dansk, I saw the World War II museum and realized that it had many artifacts well displayed for the public. If you're in Dansk, Poland I recommend this museum. Some of the things I did in Dansk, such as getting a haircut and having a massage, were important for self-care. After, I flew to Finland and then took a ferry to Estonia for a few days. Then I went back to Helsinki and stayed some time there before going to Stockholm, Sweden, and then going to Oslo and then to Bergen, Norway for a few days, I went back to Oslo and then went to Copenhagen for a few days and then I went to our house denmark, and then back to Copenhagen before going to the Netherlands. I had a friend in the Netherlands. I visited Melvin, who lived in Amsterdam, but I also visited Haarlem, Rotterdam, and Harlem while I was there. Afterwards, I flew to Edinburgh, Scotland, and took a train to North Berwick, where I spent a wonderful day exploring, swimming, and getting to know the town. I left Edinburgh for Halifax, Nova Scotia, on July 27 and spent the next two weeks in Canada. I enjoyed the Eastern Canadian hospitality, the Celtic culture, and the nature I saw throughout the 1,500 kilometers I drove. I finished my week in Toronto, exploring Niagara Falls, the city, and its suburbs, and swam three times during my stay. It was hot before I came home to San Diego.   Smart Move and Slip-up pairings    My slip-up in Edinburgh was dropping my iPad on my tiny toe at 5 AM in the dark. I was hurt, but I didn't know how badly it had broken. Four other people were sleeping in my hostel room at the time. I was getting ready to leave for the airport when this happened. Still, three weeks later, my toe is sensitive, but I think it will be okay. My lesson for you is this: when you're packing your bags, turn the light on so you can see what won't fall on your foot.   60-second confidence challenge    Here's my challenge for you.   My travel challenge for you is to get to know your apps on your phone. Download at least three travel apps, including Google Maps, Rome2Rio, and consider moving it. You might have some other good apps that you would recommend, so please let me know what they are. You need these to help you navigate your way in a new city or a new country. Always download your city's Google map so that you have it if you're not in a Wi-Fi area. Download it in advance.   Resources Roundup    One of my favorite apps is called Currency. I can look at the currency of my current location and compare it to another currency, such as the US dollar or the currency of a destination I may be traveling to. This Currency App is a valuable resource that does not require Wi-Fi to use.   Take away mantra and goodbye.    Today's takeaway is about not trying to see everything on your first visit; save something for later. Be kind to yourself and don't try to overextend; just do what you can.   Thanks for listening. Be encouraged to travel with confidence.  

In this episode of The Voice of Retail podcast, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes back retail strategist, educator, and thought leader David Ian Gray, Principal of DIG360 Consulting Ltd. and retail faculty at Capilano University's School of Business. Together, they explore the latest Angus Reid survey on Canadian shopping habits and the rapidly evolving pre-owned and circular retail economy.David begins by setting the stage with his dual role: guiding Canadian retailers through strategic challenges while also developing retail-focused academic programming in Vancouver. He shares his perspective on how the local retail scene is rebuilding post-pandemic, with indie retail and dining seeing a revival even as downtown Vancouver struggles with the loss of anchor stores like Nordstrom and Hudson's Bay.The heart of the conversation is David's latest consumer research, developed in partnership with Angus Reid. The study reveals that 77% of Canadian adults purchased pre-owned items in the past year, proving that second-hand shopping has gone fully mainstream. Canadians aren't just bargain hunting—they're motivated by sustainability, affordability, and the thrill of finding something unique.The conversation highlights surprising generational behaviors, such as Gen Z's enthusiasm for vinyl records and printed books, a countertrend to the assumption that digital-first generations avoid physical media. David suggests this reflects a desire for independence from digital platforms and a deeper need for tangible, cultural experiences.Michael and David also unpack the dominance of Facebook Marketplace, where 76% of respondents reported making a purchase in the past year, underscoring the hybrid online/offline nature of second-hand shopping. They contrast this with other channels—Kijiji, eBay, luxury resale platforms like Poshmark, charity thrift stores, and even brand-led resale initiatives from Canada Goose, IKEA, and Patagonia.For Canadian retailers, the research carries critical lessons. Second-hand is no longer a niche category but a major competitor for consumer dollars. David warns that traditional retailers may underestimate how much revenue is “leaking” into resale markets. While profitability challenges remain—logistics, inventory management, and product quality—brands that strategically embrace resale can enhance consumer loyalty, sustainability credentials, and differentiation.The episode closes with a rapid-fire round covering the future of AI in retail, Hudson's Bay's uncertain real estate footprint, Vancouver's Retail West conference, and the biggest Canadian retail story to watch in 2025: tariff uncertainty. David emphasizes that until trade clarity is achieved, Canadian retailers will remain cautious in decision-making. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. 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, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. 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, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. 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.

With the pace of disruption continuing to accelerate, with more and more power being concentrated in the hands of only a few mega-retailers, with consumer needs and wants being constantly reshaped, and with the global impact of tariffs still far from certain, how do you make sense of what to do and, most importantly, gain the confidence to aim higher, move faster and act more boldly.That's where the industry leading, award-winning Remarkable Retail Podcast comes in.I'm Steve Dennis, strategic advisor, keynote speaker, and bestselling author. I invite you to join me and fellow retail insider Michael LeBlanc each week as we separate the signal from the noise and give you the tools and ideas to make the bold leap to remarkable.The Remarkable Retail podcast is the only retail show hosted by two of the NRF's 2025 Top Retail Voices. And in this, our eleventh season, we'll continue our award-winning formula: [pause] no BS perspectives crafted from our decades of experience on the front lines, hot takes on the week's biggest retail news, conversations with the most remarkable retail leaders, and, new this season, occasional guest co-hosts who will help us open the aperture on an industry in flux.So be sure to follow us wherever you enjoy your podcasts or on the newly expanded Remarkable Retail YouTube channel.The all new season of the Remarkable Retail podcast launches Tuesday, September 2nd. We hope you'll join us.  About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.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, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. 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 fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. 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.

"A band named The Velvet Sundown had a hit a short while ago. The concern was that the band and the music were all fake. They were both fully AI generated. It is easier than you think. We have the story and some examples of when I did the same thing for an audience just to prove how easy it is to do."

Following the tragic loss of his brother-in-law nine years ago, Luke co-founded the charity Andy's Man Club, a peer-to-peer support movement giving men a safe space to meet and talk. What began in Halifax has since grown into a nationwide network of over 300 clubs across the UK, saving lives and breaking down stigma.  This year Luke set out to complete "Mission Possible" which includes completing all five IRONMAN races in the UK alongside additional running and cycling events to support and raise awareness of Andy's Man Club.  Having already completed three of the five events; IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton, IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea and IRONMAN Leeds, Luke was invited to race at the Men's IRONMAN World Championship in Nice next month as an athlete ambassador and will swap out IRONMAN 70.3 Weymouth to race in Nice before heading back to the UK to tackle IRONMAN Wales one week later. Unphased by the challenges that lie ahead, mission possible has already made a significant impact within and beyond his immediate circle and community.  Throughout this insightful conversation, Luke reflects on the strong parallels between sport, mental health and resilience, the support of family and community and the power of open conversations.  His athletic achievements and success to date with Mission Possible are certainly inspiring, but it's his commitment to creating lasting change through Andy's Man Club and beyond that truly sets him apart. From building communities to conquering IRONMAN races, Luke's journey shows that with purpose, resilience, self-belief and passion, anything is possible. 

If you're searching for affordable alternatives to popular travel destinations, we share 6 amazing and underrated travel destinations where your dollar stretches a bit further!Episode Resources:Budget Your Trip websiteSupport the Travel Mug Podcast by buying us a coffee! You'll make our day & you'll get access to fun stuff like bloopers and extra content.We have Merch! Shop the Travel Mug Podcast Store Check out our fav items here: Our Favourite Travel ProductsGRAB OUR MASTER PACKING LIST HERE*****************************************We are travel enthusiasts who do not claim to be professionals! Instead, we are two Halifax, NS natives with travel blogs who somehow found one another on the internet, and now, we have a podcast!!Join us every week as we talk about our favourite destinations, travel tips, travel fails, and all things travel!We have a big passion for travelling and talking about travel, so we hope you will listen and join the conversation.You can find us here:Our WebsiteFacebookInstagramJenn's Travel Blog Jenn's YouTube channelDisclaimer: All episodes are based on our opinions and experiences. Always do your research and make travel plans based on your budget and comfort levels.Support the show

For our final episode recorded live at the CommerceNext Growth show, we welcome two visionary leaders from Tapestry, the global house of brands that includes Coach and Kate Spade: Pooja Chandiramani, VP Global Media Strategy & Planning, Marketing Analytics, Operations and Transformation, and Avinash Kaushik, Brand Strategy & Marketing Transformation.Pooja and Avinash unpack Tapestry's ongoing transformation, which embeds analytics as a core pillar of brand growth. For Coach in particular, analytics isn't just incremental—it's a complete transformation journey. By using data to generate insights that directly drive business impact, Tapestry ensures marketing investments are accountable, measurable, and tied to outcomes.Avinash, a globally recognized thought leader and author, explains how Tapestry embraces intent-centric marketing to connect authentically with consumers. Moving beyond the outdated “accessible luxury” positioning, the company has shifted toward "expressive luxury"—a modern framework that reflects values-driven, authentic consumer engagement, particularly resonant with younger audiences.The conversation dives into the cultural foundations necessary for analytics to thrive. Avinash emphasizes that “culture is more important than data,” crediting Tapestry's CEO Joanne Crevoiserat and senior leadership for creating an environment where data can challenge assumptions and guide decisions. This culture enables bold experiments, including measuring the incrementality of brand marketing—one of the toughest questions in retail.Pooja highlights how creative pre-testing has become a critical unlock. By partnering with Human Made Machine, Tapestry tests campaigns with real audiences before investing media spend. This approach ensures that creative—responsible for up to 70% of marketing impact—delivers measurable results in driving brand awareness and incremental sales. It's a cultural shift, moving from subjective opinions about creative to decisions grounded in data.The episode also explores the role of AI and machine learning in accelerating agility, simplifying decision-making frameworks, and enabling global scalability. Both leaders stress that outcomes-based planning—rather than activity-based planning—keeps Tapestry aligned with its ambitious growth goals. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.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, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. 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 fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. 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.

Send us a message or question! This week on Never Mind the Dambusters, we answer YOUR  questions, on a whole host of issues, including: Could a heavy bomber fly without a full crew?What was Operation Dodge?Mosquito v Lancaster, Lancaster v HalifaxGibson v CheshireB17s in the RAFDo keep sending in your questions!Support the showPlease subscribe to Never Mind The Dambusters wherever you get your podcasts. You can support the show, and help us produce great content, by becoming a paid subscriber from just $3 a month here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/support . Supporters get early access to episodes and invitations to livestreams. Thank you for listening! You can reach out to us on social media at @RAF_BomberPod (X) or @NeverMindTheDambusters (Instagram)You can find out about James' research, articles, lectures and podcasts here .You can read more about Jane's work on her website at https://www.justcuriousjane.com/, and listen to podcasts/media stuff here

Episode 381: In December 1987, 12-year-old Trina Campbell, a Métis girl from Brampton, Ontario, was abducted and murdered by Douglas Robert Worth, a violent ex-convict known as the “Pictou Sadist.” Despite psychiatric warnings, Worth had been released months earlier. His relatives' testimony helped lead police to her remains, and he was convicted of second-degree murder, receiving a life sentence with 23 years before parole eligibility. Now, in 2025, Worth has been released at age 73 and is living in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, under strict monitoring. Halifax police issued a public safety alert, warning that he remains a high-risk offender with a long record of extreme violence, including rape, kidnapping, and dismemberment. Sources: Pictou, NS | The Canadian EncyclopediaHistory of PictouRobert Hare - UBC Department of PsychologyMay 10, 1988, page 1 - The Expositor at Newspapers.comR. v. Worth (R.D.) vLexR. v. Worth, 1995 CanLII 366 (ON CA)R. v. Worth, 1989 CanLII 7153 (ON SC)Trina Campbell, Brampton, 1987 — 1990 | Search - Newspapers.com™Douglas Worth has been imprisoned for life; with no chance of parole...Douglas Robert Worth: The Pictou SadistYouTube — Pictou SadistPolice say high-risk offender now living in Dartmouth areaHUNTER: GTA dismemberment pedophile killer Douglas Worth out of prisonHigh-risk offender now living in Halifax area | CBC NewsKiller who raped, decapitated 12-year-old Ontario girl has been paroled: policeHome Page - Final Report | MMIWG1977 Report to Parilament by the SUB-COMMITTEE ON THE PENITENTIARY SYSTEM IN CANADA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor Ian Holloway joins Robin Frazer Clark and Lester Tate to discuss the legal, historical, and economic connections between Canada and the United States—and why civility still matters in the pursuit of justice. Highlights include: Why U.S. and Canadian legal systems feel so familiar—and where they diverge. Stories from the War of 1812, WWII, and modern trade alliances. Canada's unique role as Georgia's #1 trading partner. Ian's definition of justice as a shared duty.   Guest Bio Ian Holloway was the Dean of Law at the University of Calgary from 2011 to 2024.   Prior to this, Ian served as dean at another Canadian law school (Western Ontario?), and as associate dean at the Australian National University. Over the years, he has also held appointments at Cambridge and the National University of Singapore. He is a graduate of Dalhousie University, the University of California at Berkeley and the Australian National University. He is also an alumnus of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and the John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He is widely-published, both in Canada and around the world. In addition, he has published a book on naval history as well as many essays or other pieces in various legal and non-legal periodicals. He has been a regular columnist for Canadian Lawyer Magazine for a number of years.   Before beginning his academic career, Ian spent a number of years in private practice in Halifax with the Atlantic Canadian law firm of McInnes Cooper, where he focused on labour and employment law. He also served as the law clerk to the chief justice of the Federal Court of Appeal. In 2003, Ian was elected to membership in the American Law Institute, a distinction that is held by only a handful of Canadians. In 2004, he was appointed Queen's Counsel. In 2007, he chaired the review of legal education in Oman. In 2013-14, Ian served as the legal education and  raining team leader for the Canadian Bar Association's Futures project. In 2018, he was elected a Fellow of the  College of Law Practice Management, the first Canadian legal academic to be so honoured.   Ian is a member of the Nova Scotia Barristers'  Society, the Law Society of Ontario, the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association. He is currently a Trustee of the NALP Foundation, and formerly served for eight years as a Trustee of the Law School Admission Council. He served as a Governor of the Southern Alberta Division of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. He was a member of the Advisory Council to the Minister of Heritage on the Commemoration of the War of 1812, and he served as a member of the vice-regal selection committee for the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. In 2015, he was appointed to the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency, and made a member of the King's Privy Council for Canada.   Beyond the legal sphere, Ian spent a total of twenty-five years serving in the Royal Canadian and Royal Australian Navies. Ian has received numerous awards in his career, including Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013, the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation in 1992, the Canadian Forces Decoration in 1989, and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Alberta) in 2022. Links: Ian Holloway | UCalgary Profiles | University of Calgary Lester Tate: http://www.akintate.com/ Robin Frazer Clark: https://www.gatriallawyers.net/ See You In Court (seeyouincourtpodcast.org) To learn more about the Georgia Civil Justice Foundation, visit fairplay.org

On a crisp December morning in 1917, Halifax woke to calm skies and the quiet hum of a wartime city at work. Children hurried to school. Workers streamed into factories. Families went about their routines. Out in the harbour, two ships moved slowly toward one another. One carried deadly cargo, volatile enough to erase a city. When they collided, a fuse was lit. At 9:04 a.m., Halifax was ripped apart in a wave of fire, force, and sound. In this first part of our two-part series, we walk alongside the people who lived those ordinary minutes before disaster: the harbour pilot steering a ship of fire, the dispatcher tapping out his last warning, and the young girl whose small choice meant survival. Hear their stories in Before the Blast, now streaming. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: Episode 193 – The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Episode 164 – What Happened to the Mary Celeste? Episode 152 – Premonitions of the Titanic Disaster For information or to get tickets for our ghost tours or paranormal adventures, please visit hauntedwalk.com. 

Fretz reviews Monday Night Raw from July 21, 1997 from Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Hart Foundation challenges three Americans to a flag match and Bret makes an infamous comparison to the USA. Follow Fretz on Blue Sky https://bsky.app/profile/fretzlemania.bsky.socialTwitter: https://x.com/FretzlemaniaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fretzlemania/linktr.ee/fretzlemaniaFollow WAR on Twitter https://x.com/Addict_WrestleFollow WAR on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wrestleaddictradioBuy WAR Merch: https://wrestle-addict-radio-shop.fourthwall.comJoin our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/hWUGvp85Wrestle Addict Radio, the cure for the common wrestling podcast

Barry and Abigail discuss Navy Blues by Sloan and sample three Canadian beers: Labatt Blue from Labatt Brewing Company, Moosehead Canadian Lager from Moosehead Breweries Limited, and Life in the Clouds from Collective Arts Brewing.The delightful can art of Life in the Clouds was designed by Joe Boyd.Navy Blues was entered into our Jukebox long ago by Paul Zawacki during our episode Bonus: A Dozen Updates (The Procession Reunion Special). He described Sloan as the Canadian Beatles, comparing One Chord to Another to the White Album (we have officially gone zero episodes without mentioning the White Album!) and Navy Blues to Abbey Road.In preparation for this episode, Abigail listened through Abbey Road, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Love by The Beatles.Revolver is one of Barry's favorite Beatles albums. He compared the throat clear at the beginning of She Says What She Means to George Harrison's counting on Taxman, the opening track of Revolver.Barry then compared C'mon C'mon to Good Day Sunshine, also off Revolver.…He then compared Iggy & Angus to The Tra La La Song (One Banana, Two Banana) by The Banana Splits.…Then, collectively, they compared Sinking Ships to Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey by Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney.Barry "complained" about the sirens in Money City Maniacs, which reminded Abigail of the sounds of cars whizzing by underlying Lonely Boy by The Black Keys.Abigail had confusion over Seems So Heavy, which by title alone seems to be a rip-off of/tribute to I Want You (She's So Heavy) by The Beatles. Later, she would compare the opening couple of notes of Suppose They Close the Door to the opening couple of notes of I Want You (She's So Heavy).Abigail shared that one of the best meals she ever ate was in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, from where Sloan originated. She ate sea-cuterie at Waterfront Warehouse.Barry compared the piano in Chester the Molester to the piano in Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da by The Beatles.We briefly discussed James Taylor's eponymous debut album, which was released on The Beatles' Apple Records (the first non-British artist on the label), was recorded at Trident Studios concurrently with the White Album, and features Paul McCartney and George Harrison on bass guitar and backing vocals, respectively! But Barry had part of the story backward - Something in the Way She Moves inspired the opening line of Harrison's Something, not the other way around. (Coincidentally, Taylor has said he had meant for the song to be called “I Feel Fine,” but that title had already been taken by The Beatles!) We played a little bit of the version of Carolina In My Mind that appears on this debut album - the version with members of The Beatles included. Later, Abigail mentioned that she kept hearing How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) by James Taylor in I Wanna Thank You.Our word association around “ways to get even” from Suppose They Close the Door led us to 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover by Paul Simon and 50 Ways to Say Goodbye by Train. We should have also added Ways to Hang On by The Stick Arounds!Our next Jukebox episode will be 2014 Forest Hills Drive by J. Cole, submitted to our Virtual Jukebox by Alinor Mezinord.Up next… Teenage Dream by Katy PerryJingles are by our friend Pete Coe.Visit Anosmia Awareness for more information on Barry's condition.Follow Barry or Abigail on Untappd to see what we're drinking when we're not on mic!Leave us a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky | YouTube | Substack | Website | Email us | Virtual Jukebox | Beer Media Group

 A cargo ship fire triggered the largest explosion before the atomic bomb. 2,000 dead. Halifax destroyed. This true story reshaped disaster response—and it all started with a spark on the water.—and you've probably never heard of it.On December 6, 1917, the SS Mont-Blanc collided with another ship in Halifax Harbor. Twenty minutes later, it exploded—flattening neighborhoods, killing 2,000, and rewriting the rules of disaster response. Here's how a small accident changed the world forever.

During the recent Canadian Association of Optometrists Congress in Halifax, I had the opportunity to speak with outgoing President Dr. Martin Spiro and incoming President Dr. Allison Scott about how the CAO supports its members across the country.From organizing meetings such as the Optometric Leaders Forum, to leading the charge to develop a national strategy around eyecare, to negotiating better reimbursements with insurance providers... there is a long list of ways that our national association serves Canadian optometrists and moves the profession forward.Learn more about the CAO's iniatives:https://opto.ca/policyLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/

In this episode of the Remarkable Retail Podcast, our guest is with Lauren Price, Senior Vice President, E-Commerce & Digital Marketing for COS North America discussing her impressive career trajectory and work positioning the H&M-owned brand for growth in a competitive, fast-moving fashion retail landscape.Lauren's career began in the early days of luxury e-commerce at Createthe Group, building first-generation online stores for high-end brands . Her path included consulting with Demandware and L2 (Scott Galloway's firm), leading to her first in-house brand role at J.Crew before joining COS—a globally recognized fashion brand known for exceptional quality, timeless style, and meticulous craftsmanship.At COS, Lauren oversees North American marketing and digital commerce, a key growth market. She explains how COS benefits from the resources of a global parent company while operating with the agility of a smaller regional business. This unique position allows for strategic experimentation while maintaining the brand's commitment to premium quality.A highlight from the conversation is COS's viral marketing moment: a $45 T-shirt compared on TikTok to a $15 Uniqlo tee, with the influencer praising COS's superior quality and construction. This sparked organic buzz and significant new customer acquisition, prompting Lauren's team to launch a targeted influencer gifting campaign. The lesson: seize authentic, organic momentum quickly and amplify it with campaigns that focus on authenticity, craftsmanship, and product education—especially to win over savvy Gen Z shoppers.Lauren also tackles the emerging challenge of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), advising brands to prepare product catalogs for AI-driven search while maintaining current SEO performance. She predicts AI search adoption will accelerate faster than previous digital shifts, urging retailers to run both short-term and long-term optimization in parallel.As the discussion turns to holiday planning, Lauren offers several pieces of practical, results-focused advice. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.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, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. 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 fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. 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.

The Good Samaritan. Billy Graham Classic Sermon. ACU Sunday Series. When no one else would stop to help the man beaten by robbers, the Good Samaritan had pity on him (Luke 10:33). In the same way, Jesus shows us mercy and promises to care for us in our time of need. “He sees you as an individual,” Billy Graham said. Hear about the profound love of Christ for you in this 1979 sermon from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Watch this video at- https://youtu.be/5tbimm5s22E?si=Nodp60KthuuVCIkb Billy Graham Evangelistic Association 1.16M subscribers 100,512 views Premiered Aug 19, 2024 #MondayNightClassics Watch more #MondayNightClassics every Monday at 8 p.m. ET. CONNECT with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: on Facebook:   / billygrahamevangelisticassociation   on Instagram:   / bgea   on Twitter:   / bgea   on Pinterest:   / bgea   on YouTube:    / billygraham   on TikTok:   / bgeaofficial   --------------------------------------------------------------------  Check out our ACU Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/ACUPodcast   HELP ACU SPREAD THE WORD!  Please go to Apple Podcasts and give ACU a 5 star rating. Apple canceled us and now we are clawing our way back to the top. Don't let the Leftist win. Do it now! Thanks. Also Rate us on any platform you follow us on. It helps a lot. Forward this show to friends. Ways to subscribe to the American Conservative University Podcast Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe via RSS You can also subscribe via Stitcher FM Player Podcast Addict Tune-in Podcasts Pandora Look us up on Amazon Prime …And Many Other Podcast Aggregators and sites ACU on Twitter- https://twitter.com/AmerConU . Warning- Explicit and Violent video content.   Please help ACU by submitting your Show ideas. Email us at americanconservativeuniversity@americanconservativeuniversity.com   Endorsed Charities -------------------------------------------------------- Pre-Born! Saving babies and Souls. https://preborn.org/ OUR MISSION To glorify Jesus Christ by leading and equipping pregnancy clinics to save more babies and souls. WHAT WE DO Pre-Born! partners with life-affirming pregnancy clinics all across the nation. We are designed to strategically impact the abortion industry through the following initiatives:… -------------------------------------------------------- Help CSI Stamp Out Slavery In Sudan Join us in our effort to free over 350 slaves. Listeners to the Eric Metaxas Show will remember our annual effort to free Christians who have been enslaved for simply acknowledging Jesus Christ as their Savior. As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, join us in giving new life to brothers and sisters in Sudan who have enslaved as a result of their faith. https://csi-usa.org/metaxas   https://csi-usa.org/slavery/   Typical Aid for the Enslaved A ration of sorghum, a local nutrient-rich staple food A dairy goat A “Sack of Hope,” a survival kit containing essential items such as tarp for shelter, a cooking pan, a water canister, a mosquito net, a blanket, a handheld sickle, and fishing hooks. Release celebrations include prayer and gathering for a meal, and medical care for those in need. The CSI team provides comfort, encouragement, and a shoulder to lean on while they tell their stories and begin their new lives. Thank you for your compassion  Giving the Gift of Freedom and Hope to the Enslaved South Sudanese -------------------------------------------------------- Food For the Poor https://foodforthepoor.org/ Help us serve the poorest of the poor Food For The Poor began in 1982 in Jamaica. Today, our interdenominational Christian ministry serves the poor in primarily 17 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Thanks to our faithful donors, we are able to provide food, housing, healthcare, education, fresh water, emergency relief, micro-enterprise solutions and much more. We are proud to have fed millions of people and provided more than 15.7 billion dollars in aid. Our faith inspires us to be an organization built on compassion, and motivated by love. Our mission is to bring relief to the poorest of the poor in the countries where we serve. We strive to reflect God's unconditional love. It's a sacrificial love that embraces all people regardless of race or religion. We believe that we can show His love by serving the “least of these” on this earth as Christ challenged us to do in Matthew 25. We pray that by God's grace, and with your support, we can continue to bring relief to the suffering and hope to the hopeless.   Report on Food For the Poor by Charity Navigator https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/592174510   -------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer from ACU. We try to bring to our students and alumni the World's best Conservative thinkers. All views expressed belong solely to the author and not necessarily to ACU. In all issues and relations, we hope to follow the admonitions of Jesus Christ. While striving to expose, warn and contend with evil, we extend the love of God to all of his children. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------