Marion Thénault - Fly Like an Eagle
Chatter that Matters
For my International Women’s Day episode, I chose Marion Thénault—a Canadian who flies like an eagle on the global stage. After realizing that gymnastics wouldn’t take her to the Olympics, Marion felt lost. On a promise to her Mom, she went to RBC Training Ground, where her trampoline skills caught the attention of a scout. She was asked if she had ever tried those flips on skis. As it turned out, she had only been on skis a handful of times. Marion leaped into Freestyle Aerial Skiing, and in short order became a World Cup champion and Olympic Medallist. Her biggest...
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Mike Power - I Felt Less Than
Chatter that Matters
We all judge books by their covers—but what happens when the cover tells one story, and the pages inside reveal another? This week on Chatter That Matters, I sit down with Mike Power, a testament to resilience. Mike appeared to have it all together: a top strategist, a two-time Boston Marathon runner, and a sharp conversationalist with wicked humour. But beneath that polished exterior was a battle with addiction, a journey to rock bottom, and a burning desire for reinvention. Mike shares his deeply personal story of losing control to alcohol and drugs, facing a devastating cancer...
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Matthew Galati - A Split Second
Chatter that Matters
A split second is all it took to change Dr. Matthew Galati’s life forever. A promising second-year medical student with a passion for soccer, music, and a strong social network, Matthew had everything going for him—until a freak encounter with black ice led to a horrific car accident and a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Rushed to the hospital and placed on life support, he spent three days in a coma, emerging into a world where his ability to think, speak, and move had been shattered.]Doctors warned his family that recovery was unlikely and that returning to medical school appeared...
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Melissa Osorio - Hidden Memories
Chatter that Matters
Many of us carry dark memories—moments so painful and profound that we tuck them away in the deepest corners of our minds. We convince ourselves they’re forgotten, but are they? What if you possessed the key to unlock them? Would you shine a light to illuminate your past, hoping that by doing so, you might finally understand who you are, why your life unfolded the way it did, and what you can change? Or would you keep them hidden in the shadows? This week, I’m pleased to welcome Melissa Osorio, author of Hidden Memories, to Chatter that Matters. Hidden Memories is a powerful story about...
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George M. Johnson - Unapologetically Me
Chatter that Matters
Imagine stepping into a world where your very existence is questioned—where just being yourself is a battle. Now imagine finding the strength, the voice, and the courage to not only survive but to stand up, speak out, and inspire a generation. This week on Chatter that Matters, my guest is George M. Johnson. We dive into the remarkable journey of an award-winning author, journalist, and activist who turned childhood trauma into a global conversation. All Boys Aren’t Blue isn’t just a book—it’s a lifeline, a revolution, and a powerful act of defiance against those who seek...
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Canada. It's Time for Extraordinary
Chatter that Matters
This is a special four-minute edition of Chatter That Matters. Canada's economy and sovereignty are under threat—not from weapons but from tariffs. This isn’t the moment for political grandstanding, showboating, posturing, or scoring points. It's time for extraordinary. RBC sponsors my podcast, and this weekend, I had the honour of reading a note from their President and CEO, David McKay, that was sent to all of their employees. RBC didn't ask me to do this, and they are not compensating me. I am reading his letter to you, hoping you will listen to his words, and intent. This is the kind...
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Rob Cribb - Truth Seeker
Chatter that Matters
In this week's Chatter that Matters titled "Truth Seeker," we delve into the vital and fascinating realm of investigative journalism through the perspective of Robert Cribb. Rob has received both national and international reporting awards for his investigations into offshore tax evasion, child exploitation, human trafficking, dangerous doctors, environmental hazards, and public safety. He was part of the international reporting team that produced the Pulitzer Prize-winning Panama Papers investigation in 2017. Can democracy survive without reporters like Rob, who are...
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Canada - Reclaim the Canadian Dream
Chatter that Matters
Canada, it’s time to reclaim the Canadian Dream. In this special episode of Chatter That Matters, I bring together three of Canada's brightest: , , and . Recorded live at 's 40th anniversary, weeks before 's resignation, Donald Trump's inauguration, and upcoming free trade negotiations, this nonpartisan conversation dives deep into the urgent need for Canada to go after a prosperity agenda that makes us economically strong, and socially conscious. I kick off the episode by reminiscing about Canada's Centennial year and our country's prowess, then contrasting it with today's...
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Harrison Haynes - Breaking the Silence
Chatter that Matters
"It’s so easy to become vulnerable online. Your face and name aren’t involved; you can hide behind a user name, an avatar." I begin this powerful and profoundly moving episode of Chatter That Matters by sharing a personal story of narrowly escaping a predator during my youth, setting the stage for a meaningful conversation about online safety. I then invite my guest, Harrison Haynes, a brave young advocate who recounts his harrowing experience of being manipulated by an online predator as a teenager. He reveals the emotional toll, the subtle manipulative tactics used, and how...
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Jill Nykoliation - Leave Room for Magic
Chatter that Matters
This episode will inspire, enlighten and educate. I sit down with Jill Nykoliation, a visionary leader in marketing and branding. Jill shares her journey from learning about branding at the family dinner table to becoming a trailblazer. She discusses her time at Queen's University, her rapid ascent at Kraft, and her bold decision to venture into advertising. Jill's 'Tall Grass' philosophy, which she developed through her experiences, encourages embracing the unknown and pushing boundaries. It's about not being afraid to stand out, even if it means being the tallest in the field. She...
info_outlineToday, we delve into the remarkable journey of Dr. Shahana Alibhai, a distinguished family physician and mental health advocate who focuses on youth from equity-deserving neighbourhoods. Shahana grew up in a family that had 72 hours to flee Uganda during the expulsion of Asian minorities under Idi Amin. She witnessed her parents' resilience, adaptability, and optimism in the face of extreme hardship. Her parents taught her the value of education, gratitude, and giving back.
Shahana discusses her struggles with her mental health, including OCD, eating disorders, excessive exercise, the pressures of academic achievement, and the profound impact of cultural and familial expectations. Her story is a testament to the importance of addressing mental health.
We also discuss her book Feel Better, endorsed by Mel Robbins. It is an insightful exploration of emotional health, offering practical tools to help individuals understand and manage their emotions. Dr. Shahana Alibhai provides a compassionate guide for navigating mental health challenges. You will learn about your Emotional Palette and practical strategies for integrating your physical, emotional, and mental health.
Whether you're dealing with your challenges or supporting others through theirs, this episode offers valuable insights into the importance of self-awareness, community support, and proactive mental health care.
To learn more about Dr. Alibhai, book her as a speaker, or purchase her book: https://drshahana.com]
Moments That Matter
1. [00:00:21] - Dr. Alibhai discusses the courage required to seek help and the connection it fosters.
2.[00:00:57] - Dr. Alibhai opens up about her mental health challenges.
3. [00:02:11] - A deeper look into how Dr. Alibhai defines her professional identity beyond her credentials.
4. [00:06:24] - The impactful story of Dr. Alibhai's parents' escape from Uganda and its influence on her values.
5. [00:10:38] - Dr. Alibhai speaks about the importance of self-acknowledgment and understanding one's worth.
6. [00:14:27] - Discussion on the critical role of education in Dr. Alibhai's family values.
7. [00:19:14] - The collaboration with Adrienne Gostick and the personal significance behind her book, *Feeling Better*.
8. [00:22:07] - Dr. Alibhai explains the clues each emotion provides and the importance of curiosity.
9. [00:27:28] - Introduction of the Optimal Health Pyramid and its components for a balanced life.
10. [00:36:15] - The concept of "joy stretching" and recognizing the small moments of joy in everyday life.