Chatter that Matters
Chatter That Matters is where stories of human possibility and positivity come to life. Each week, I share an inspirational journey of someone who has overcome obstacles, chased their dreams, and changed their world—and ours—for the better. You’ll recognize some of my guests: Olympians, Nobel Peace Prize nominees, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar winners, Bestselling Authors, and world-renowned Thought Leaders. Others may be new to you, but their stories and insights are as impactful. I hope these conversations inspire you, spark ideas, and even provide lessons to help you get to where you need, want, and deserve to go. I believe the world needs more positivity and possibility.
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Mike Kessel - Living Long and Well
11/20/2025
Mike Kessel - Living Long and Well
Recorded in front of a sold out crowd at the Toronto Hunt, this episode captures the energy of a live audience and a message every Canadian needs to hear. We are living longer, and more of us will reach 100, yet our healthcare system is under strain and our daily choices matter more than ever. My guest, Mike Kessel, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Canada, brings a clear and practical view of what it means to live long and live well. He explains why lifestyle drives most of our health outcomes and how simple habits like movement, sleep, and lowering stress can add years to our lives. He takes us inside the future of virtual care and remote diagnostics and shows how rapidly medical knowledge is accelerating. His message is simple. We are each the CEO of our own wellbeing, and the small decisions we make today shape the life we get to enjoy tomorrow. Mike frames healthcare in the most human way possible, as the business of creating more meaningful moments with the people we love. After Mike, Leanne Kaufman, President and CEO of RBC Royal Trust, joins me to share why planning for the later chapters of life matters just as much as planning for your health. Because living longer only works when we prepare for it. A powerful and timely episode for anyone who wants to understand how to live not just longer, but better.
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David Chilton - Back to the Wealthy Barber's Chair
11/17/2025
David Chilton - Back to the Wealthy Barber's Chair
A special edition of Chatter that Matters. Thirty-five years ago, David Chilton and his record-shattering best-seller, The Wealthy Barber, revolutionized Canadians' approach to money. Its profound impact was not just on the nation, but also on me. I cleared my credit card debts, paid myself first, and found peace of mind. I had the chance to sit with David to talk about the complete remake of his classic. We delve into why David returned to the barbershop, how he rewrote every lesson for a generation facing heavier financial pressures, and why the simplest habits still create the strongest foundations. We also discuss spending in the age of social media and tap-to-get, the affordability crisis surrounding home ownership, and why Wills and Estate Planning matter. David Chilton, with his humility, honesty, and unwavering commitment, remains a beacon of support for Canadians. Encountering someone who has reshaped a nation’s financial mindset is rare, but witnessing them do it twice is even rarer. So grab a seat on the Barber's Chair, and listen to my interview with David Chilton. To buy David’s book: To learn more about Wills and Estate Planning:
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Barry Avrich - Renaissance Man
11/13/2025
Barry Avrich - Renaissance Man
Barry Avrich is a Renaissance man, and his creativity knows no boundaries. From crafting brilliant advertising campaigns for Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and Frank Sinatra’s final concerts to directing over fifty documentaries that expose the power, ego, and humanity behind fame, he’s lived by one lesson from his father—don’t blend in. In this conversation, Barry opens up about his unlikely path from Montreal to the Silver Screen, the thin line between ambition and addiction to power, and why storytelling is his calling. We explore the making of The Last Mogul, Prosecuting Evil, and The Road Between Us, and his belief that movies can still change hearts, minds, and even history. This year, Barry is being honoured with the 2025 Horatio Alger Award, one of Canada’s most distinguished recognitions. The award celebrates Canadians who have triumphed over adversity to achieve extraordinary success while giving back to others. For Barry, whose films often illuminate resilience and moral courage, the award feels like the story coming full circle.
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Natasha Soregaroli - Becoming Me Again
11/06/2025
Natasha Soregaroli - Becoming Me Again
Many people are experiencing a growing sense of insecurity in an uncertain world. Every generation feels it, but for many young people, it’s hitting harder. They’ve endured a pandemic and now face a world that’s changing rapidly, along with high unemployment and a mental health crisis that’s even harder to confront. That’s why I wanted to share this story about a 16-year-old girl who was lost and then found her way back. At sixteen, Natasha Soregaroli was caught in a storm of self-doubt and comparison, her mind constantly echoing what she believed she wasn’t. At eighteen, during the pandemic, she turned her journal of thoughts into a book titled Becoming Me Again, a raw and heartfelt memoir about learning to love yourself in a world that often profits from your insecurity. Now twenty-three, Natasha has transformed her private struggle into a message of hope for anyone feeling alone with their thoughts. She openly discusses journaling as healing, the trap of perfection, and the effort needed to make your inner voice your ally rather than your critic. This isn’t a story about fame or wealth. It’s about resilience, self-discovery, and the bravery required to come home to yourself. It might change how you speak to yourself or someone you love. To purchase Natalie's book: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/becoming-me-again/d883d2f3-3c47-3108-94c0-f00ae4da68f6.html
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Stewart Thompson - Man Enough to Heal
11/03/2025
Stewart Thompson - Man Enough to Heal
I am breaking format and putting this show up on Monday, as Stewart has an event called Man Enough to Heal this Wednesday, that I want to support. Details and links below. This week on Chatter That Matters, meet Stewart Thompson, a man who turned unimaginable trauma into a mission to help others heal. For decades, Stewart carried the silence of childhood sexual abuse, numbing the pain through addiction and isolation. At fifty, he faced an unthinkable choice: end his life or ask for help one last time. Walking through the doors of The Gatehouse changed everything. Today, Stewart is a national advocate, leading Survivor Council Canada, and hosting a podcast with more than 300 episodes, empowering others to speak their truth. Stewart shares how he rebuilt his life from the ground up—through courage, community, and the hard work of healing. It’s raw, real, and deeply human. If you’ve ever struggled to find your voice or support someone searching for theirs, this is an episode you’ll never forget. To buy tickets to Man Enough to Heal, or to support Gatehouse:
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Calissa Ngozi -Write Your Own Story
10/30/2025
Calissa Ngozi -Write Your Own Story
“Everybody’s journey is unique, and we have the power to write our own story. We need to stop giving other people the pen.” Calissa Ngozi Calissa Ngozi’s life is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the choice to rise above. Born into hardship, labelled by a doctor as a child who would “never amount to anything,” and adopted into a world that didn’t mirror her reflection, Calissa faced sexual abuse, family mental illness, and later in life, the unimaginable loss of her twin sons. Yet at every turn, she refused to surrender her story. Now a mental health educator, community leader, mother, and creator of The Oxygen Mask Mindset, Calissa teaches others how to breathe again, how to care for themselves before they care for others. Her voice is unfiltered and full of grace, reminding us that healing begins when we reclaim our power. Andrea Barrack, RBC’s Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Impact, reveals how RBC’s leadership in mental health is giving more Canadians the care, hope, and community they deserve.
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Perry Miele - Grit and Grace
10/23/2025
Perry Miele - Grit and Grace
Perry Miele is someone I have admired since the first day we met many decades ago. Perry shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Thunder Bay as the son of Italian immigrants to becoming a serial entrepreneur, investor, and mentor to many. Perry's story is about resilience, optimism, and the enduring lessons that come with having both grit and grace. In this episode, Perry reflects on politics, entrepreneurship, and pursuing the Canadian Dream as individuals and as a country. Alan Depencier from RBC joins to share how small business owners are the engine of our economy and all RBC does to fuel their dreams. A show about positivity and possibility and all things Perry Miele.
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Judy Lewis - What If?
10/16/2025
Judy Lewis - What If?
Many people dream of owning their own business and being their own boss, especially today when careers can be suddenly disrupted by tariffs or technology. I would encourage those who dream to also do. Judy Lewis is my guest this week, and she doesn’t follow paths; she creates them. An inductee into the Marketing Hall of Legends and co-founder of Strategic Objectives alongside her sister Deborah Weinstein, they have redefined what it means to build with purpose. Their campaigns have received every PR honour, as well as recognition from the United Nations for promoting social change. Judy shares her story and how vision, grit, and a simple “What if?” mindset enabled her to leave the corporate world and establish one of the world's most respected public relations agencies. Stay tuned for my three key takeaways, and then ask yourself, What if I applied Judy's lessons in life to my own life? To find out more about RBC's Women of Influence Awards:
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Scott Stirrett - The Uncertainty Advantage
10/09/2025
Scott Stirrett - The Uncertainty Advantage
Scott Stirrett grew up in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, a hockey town where he never fit in. Bullied, struggling in school, and privately wrestling with his sexuality, he felt like a misfit destined to sit on the sidelines. Instead, those early struggles became the foundation for his life’s work. Scott left a prestigious role at Goldman Sachs to start Venture for Canada, raising more than $80 million and helping over 10,000 young Canadians embrace entrepreneurship. Now, with his book, The Uncertainty Advantage, he shows how to go beyond resilience to antifragility—how actually to thrive because of chaos. Scott shares how small wins build confidence, why wide and deep networks are essential, and how rethinking risk is the key to growth. His story is proof that the very things that make us feel different can become our most significant edge. And at the close, Alan Depencier, Chief Marketing Officer, Personal and Commercial Banking at RBC, will discuss their deep commitment to supporting Canadian entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and capital they need to succeed. To purchase Scott's book: To learn about RBC and Small Business:
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Michele Romanow - All In
10/02/2025
Michele Romanow - All In
This episode was taped in front of a live audience at Canavision, which is a fantastic conference made possible through the vision and creativity of Randy Rowe. My guest is Michele Romanow, one of Canada’s most fearless entrepreneurs, a Dragon, a disruptor, and a mentor who built seven businesses before the age of 35 and changes the way founders access capital. From launching a sustainable coffee shop at Queen’s University, to cold-calling chefs and starting a caviar company, to co-founding Clearco and providing over $5 billion in funding to 10,000 companies, her story is proof that entrepreneurship is less about waiting for the perfect idea and more about diving in, scrapping, iterating, and moving faster than the giants around you. Michele is all in. In this conversation, Michele opens up about resilience, speed, and scrappiness, the difference between ego and conviction, and why storytelling is the real currency of entrepreneurship. She also speaks candidly about becoming a mother and how that shifts her perspective on the world we’re building for the next generation. Alan Depencier joins the show to discuss small business and why it matters to you, to me and to RBC. If you’ve ever wondered what it truly means to go “all in” on your ideas, your business, and your life, this conversation will light your way.
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Jenn Harper - Dreams Matter
09/25/2025
Jenn Harper - Dreams Matter
I love the famous Walt Disney quote, Dream it and Do it. It is also the battle cry for Entrepreneurs and Artists as they seek sponsors, support and a paying audience. But what if an idea came to you in an actual dream, and that dream manifested into a destiny that touched your entire universe? In the rawest days of her sobriety, Jenn Harper had a dream of three Indigenous girls wearing lip gloss. Her subconscious became her living quest, one that allowed her to reclaim her indigenous roots, conquer her addictions, carry her through the heartbreak of losing her brother, and fulfill her dream by create Cheekbone Beauty. This business brings beauty to our world in so many wonderful colours-shades of survival, purpose, resilience, and purpose. To look at the creativity of Cheekbone Beauty and this extraordinary entrepreneur: To learn more about Jenn Harper, 2020 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Ones To Watch Award Winner: To learn about RBC's Truth and Reconciliation Office:
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Rima Berns-McGown - A Medium and her message
09/18/2025
Rima Berns-McGown - A Medium and her message
Last week, my guest was Oscar Arias, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and former President of Costa Rica, who brought peace to Central America. This week, I continue to prove that Chatter That Matters has no boundaries, only journeys of those who overcome, who chase, who change their world and ours for the better. My guest is Rima Berns-McGowan, a woman who has devoted her life to making the world a better place. She has walked many paths—scholar, author, community builder, politician and then made one of the most unexpected and courageous pivots imaginable: leaving politics to become a Medium connecting those who live here with those who have departed. What ties it all together is her conviction in tikkun olam, a jewish concept meaning reapir of the world. Whether through evidence-based research, community activism, or channelling messages of love and healing from those who’ve passed, Rima’s life is devoted to building inclusion, belonging, and hope. In this conversation, we explore: How her family’s escape from apartheid South Africa shaped her identity and lifelong quest for justice. The lessons she’s learned from academia, politics, and the people she’s served. Why she believes our ancestors never leave us, and how as a Medium she can help bring messages from the other side that brings healing and forgiveness. What her journey teaches us about choosing good over cynicism, compassion over division, and possibility over despair. Suspend disbelief. Open your heart and listen to the many wonderful messages from Rima Berns-McGown, the Medium. Presented by RBC, because they believe in stories of human possibility. To learn more about Rima: IG - @rimabernsm or rimabythesea.com
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Oscar Arias - Give Peace a Chance
09/11/2025
Oscar Arias - Give Peace a Chance
I had the pleasure of hosting one of the most extraordinary guests I’ve ever had on Chatter That Matters during the 80th sessions of the United Nations Assembly happening in New York. My guest is someone who has made a powerful and positive impact on our universe: Dr. Oscar Arias, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and two-time President of Costa Rica. Oscar takes us back to a time when Central America was on fire, civil wars raged, and the United States and the Soviet Union armed opposing sides. The region was drowning in ideology, bloodshed, and fear. Then came Oscar Arias, the newly elected President of Costa Rica, a nation that had disbanded their military decades before. While others escalated the violence, Arias chose defiance. He stared down Ronald Reagan, had U.S.-backed rebels expelled from Costa Rican soil, rejected global pressure, and authored the Arias Peace Plan. This bold diplomatic initiative helped bring five nations to the table and bring an end to years of war. Oscar Arias didn’t just defy world leaders; he defied the odds and changed the course of history. In 1987, Arias was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. But he didn’t stop there. Through the Arias Foundation for Peace & Human Progress, he helped spark the UN Arms Trade Treaty—the first legally binding agreement to regulate the global weapons trade. And now, in his 80s, Oscar Arias is on another peace mission. To build a Global Peace Museum in Costa Rica. A place to remind the world that peace isn’t idealistic, it's possible, if given a chance. (And for history buffs, you will be mesmerized by the stories of how Oscar Arias encountered and, over time, built extraordinary relationships with Reagan, Bush, Thatcher, Gorbachev, Castro, Mulroney, the Pope and many more.)
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Sheryl Ramstad - Living Life Full Throttle
09/04/2025
Sheryl Ramstad - Living Life Full Throttle
My guest this week is Sheryl Ramstead a woman whose story defies the odds and redefines what it means to be resilient. At 29, on her first solo flight, a fiery plane crash left her body burned and her survival chances below one percent. But from that inferno emerged not just a survivor, but a force of reinvention who became a federal prosecutor, judge, corrections commissioner, marathon runner, mountain climber, and in her sixties, a nurse. In this episode, Sheryl shares how faith, family, purpose, and a relentless spirit carried her through unimaginable pain and propelled her into a life of service and impact. Her memoir, Living Life Full Throttle: Surviving, Serving, and Summiting, is a testament to what’s possible when we choose to live with intention and courage. If you’re facing adversity, rebuilding after loss, or questioning whether you have what it takes to begin again, this episode is for you. Sheryl’s journey reminds us that healing isn’t linear, that fear never truly disappears, and that the most powerful act of resilience is to keep putting one foot in front of the other. This isn’t just a story of survival; it’s a blueprint for transformation and inspiration. To buy her book:
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Dan Monaghan - Trailblazer Extraordinaire
08/28/2025
Dan Monaghan - Trailblazer Extraordinaire
I encourage you to listen to this week's Chatter That Matters, featuring my guest, Dan Monaghan. Dan is a trailblazer, and his energy is infectious; his storytelling is excellent, and his approach to life, as well as his zest for it, is something we can all learn from. Dan shares his journey from humble beginnings in Canada to building international ventures, including the innovative digital agency network WSI World. We discuss Dan’s creative approach to franchising, the transformative impact of AI, and the importance of curiosity and lifelong learning in managing rapid change.He is also a popular speaker around the world. Dan offers many words of wisdom for individuals, businesses, and Canada, drawing on his own experiences as someone who radiates positivity and optimism. I give you my personal guarantee that you will not be disappointed. Please share this with anyone who could use a boost of positivity and practical advice in their life. And my special thanks to RBC for supporting small business owners and Chatter That Matters. https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/business/index.html
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Jason Demers - Skating with the Invisible
08/21/2025
Jason Demers - Skating with the Invisible
Jason Demers played over 700 games in the NHL, represented Canada at the Olympics, and was the “glue in the locker room” for five franchises. Teammates knew him as the guy who brought humour, energy, and heart. But inside, Jason was battling something invisible—crippling anxiety that made every night feel like fighting for his life. Jason opens up about the duality of his career: the confident defenceman fans saw on the ice, and the young man masking stress and fear with substances and a smile in the dressing room. He discusses injuries, pressure, and the emotional toll of professional sports, but also resilience, rediscovery, and what it means to find peace. Today, Jason is helping young adults address their mental health challenges with tools such as breathwork, journaling, and emotional vulnerability. His mission is simple: if he can help even one kid feel less alone, then every struggle he went through was worth it. A powerful show and one that will resonate with anyone struggling with the realities of their life.
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Three Trailblazers, Countless Lessons, One Magical Room
08/16/2025
Three Trailblazers, Countless Lessons, One Magical Room
They broke barriers, challenged the status quo, and redefined what authentic leadership can be. Three women. One stage. A masterclass in leading with heart, purpose, and courage. Recorded live at the sold-out Work The Room Leadership Summit 2025, I sat down with three trailblazing women leaders who inspire change: Linda Kuga Pikulin, President of ROOM and Women of Influence; Alycia Calvert, Chair and CEO of EY Canada; and Karen Mueller, CEO of SterileCare. Linda shares how embracing vulnerability transformed her into a more authentic leader. Alycia explains why saying “yes” before you feel ready can accelerate career growth, and why mentorship matters. Karen reveals how a single tragic moment in nursing inspired her to drive healthcare innovation and policy change, and why listening remains the most powerful tool for overcoming the status quo. From mentorship to healthcare transformation, from bold decision-making to vulnerability in leadership—these extraordinary stories offer leadership lessons that will inspire you to lead with impact. Room is an organization dedicated to advancing gender equity in senior leadership. To find out more:
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Greta Podleski - Stirring Up Your Dreams
08/07/2025
Greta Podleski - Stirring Up Your Dreams
“We found David Chilton’s phone number on the back of The Wealthy Barber, picked up the phone, and just called. He answered. That one call changed everything.” They had cushy jobs and no culinary credentials—just a shared dream between two sisters to write a cookbook that combined truly healthy recipes with laugh-out-loud humour. It was bold. It was different. And it was rejected by publishers. Seven times. But Greta and Janet Podleski didn’t give up. They poured themselves into the work—testing every recipe, writing every pun, designing every page. And then they took one last shot. On the back of The Wealthy Barber, they found David Chilton’s phone number. They called. He answered. His Mom loved the recipes, so he went all in. Together, they formed their own publishing company and launched Looneyspoons, a cookbook that would go on to become a national sensation. It wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. They followed it up with Crazy Plates and Eat, Shrink & Be Merry, creating a Canadian cookbook empire defined by heart, humour, and health. Millions of copies sold. A Food Network show. A movement. The sisters went their way, but Greta wasn't done. What came next was a stunning solo debut, Yum & Yummer—a runaway bestseller, and now, a triumphant follow-up: Every Salad Ever. Sold exclusively at Indigo, it has topped the charts since its debut, proving Greta’s recipes—and her voice—resonate as strongly as ever. You will be hooked from the first few seconds as Greta shares the full journey: the hustle, the heartbreak, the humour, and the healing. It’s a masterclass in perseverance, creativity, and chasing and realizing a dream—even when the world says no. And my biggest takeaway - Sometimes the difference between a dream that fades and one that flies is one phone call—and someone who believes in you. To buy Greta's book: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/every-salad-ever-from-grains-to-greens-and-pasta-to-beans-plus-every-salad-in-betweens-indigo-exclusive/9781775047018.html
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Ian McGann - Trapped Inside My Own Body
07/31/2025
Ian McGann - Trapped Inside My Own Body
You’re lying on the ground, your body completely paralyzed. You can hear voices around you, footsteps moving closer, then away. You’re fully aware of everything, but you can’t speak, can’t move, can’t signal that you’re there. You are trapped inside your own body, and you know your life is hanging by a thread, yet you have no way of letting anyone know you need urgent help. Minutes feel like hours. And what if the people who do find you believe you’ve brought this on yourself? This was the sudden nightmare Ian McGann lived through when he suffered a catastrophic brain stem stroke, one so rare and severe that he was given only a 5% chance of survival. His body shut down, but his mind never did. What followed was a harrowing journey—delayed medical treatment shaped by stigma, moments of despair and defiance, and ultimately, a recovery that defied every odd stacked against him. Ian shares what shaped his survival and the new purpose he’s carrying forward. It’s a raw, unflinching conversation about life, loss, and second chances that will stay with you long after you listen.
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Cyber Crime - Hacked, Tracked and Attacked
07/24/2025
Cyber Crime - Hacked, Tracked and Attacked
What if everything you worked for—your savings, your home, even your identity—could be stolen without a weapon or a warning? In this chilling yet empowering episode of Chatter That Matters, recorded live at the Toronto Hunt, I moderate a critical conversation on the growing threat of cybercrime—and how we can fight back. Joining me are three remarkable minds from the frontlines of this invisible war: Margot Denomme, former Crown Attorney, author and advocate for youth digital safety, compares giving a child a smartphone to handing them car keys without a manual. She’s on a mission to delay smartphone use, reform digital education, and protect self-esteem before it’s shattered by comparison culture. Milos Stojadinovic, RBC’s cybersecurity expert, explains how cybercrime has become a multi-trillion-dollar global industry, complete with 24/7 malware support and AI-powered deepfakes-his warning: the identity crisis is just beginning. Detective Sergeant Colin Organ, head of York Region’s Financial Crimes Unit, shares heartbreaking stories of victims who lost everything to scams—and exposes a justice system struggling to respond to these crimes as anything more than “non-violent.” Why this episode matters: Cybercrime is no longer fringe—it’s global, organized, and relentless. As AI accelerates the threat, we must take action to protect our families, finances, and future. You’ll learn: How to build habits that shield you from scams Why criminals are always a step ahead—and how to close the gap What parents must know before giving their child a phone Why outdated laws leave us all more vulnerable Whether deepfakes and AI put humanity itself at risk Subscribe to Chatter That Matters and take the first step toward cyber resilience. Because in this fight, awareness isn’t just power—it’s protection. To buy Margot Denomme's brilliant book: The Family Smartphone Guide: To read articles from RBC on CyberCrime and prevention:
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Jordan Kawchuk - Inside the Mind of an Addict
07/17/2025
Jordan Kawchuk - Inside the Mind of an Addict
“Being dry is just changing your drink. Being sober is changing everything.” — Jordan Kawchuk. Jordan Kawchuk is a brilliant storyteller, a former media professional, and a father—but for over 30 years, he was also an alcoholic. In this raw and revealing episode, Jordan opens up about a lifetime battle that has taken him through several treatment centers, estranged him from the people he loves most, and nearly consumed his identity. Yet today, at 50-something and nine months sober, he speaks with honesty, humility, and surprising humour about what it means to recover, to reconnect, and to begin again. I follow Jordan through the wreckage and the rebuilding. From the seductive lure of martinis and jazz to relapses in hotel rooms, from moments of public failure to private reckoning—Jordan spares nothing. He offers insight into the difference between being “dry” and truly being “sober,” the power of storytelling as a healing act, and how he’s learning to live, love, and listen—one moment at a time. Whether you or someone you know is battling addiction, or you’re simply human and healing from life’s frictions, this is a conversation that matters. To connect with Jordan or to see his work:
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Arlene Dickinson - The One and Only
07/10/2025
Arlene Dickinson - The One and Only
What does it take to reinvent yourself—again and again—while remaining grounded in gratitude and generosity? In this inspiring episode recorded in front of a live audience, I sit down with the one and only Canadian icon and my dear friend, Arlene Dickinson, the beloved “matriarch of Dragon’s Den." We explore the extraordinary journey that shaped her into one of the country’s most respected business leaders and advocates. From overcoming tough odds—being a single mother of four with no post-secondary education—to earning her place in a male-dominated industry, Arlene’s honest reflections on imposter syndrome, self-reliance, and reinvention are both practical and moving. But this conversation isn’t just about business. We discuss life, media, and breaking stereotypes surrounding age, relationships, and relevance, reminding us all of the power of authenticity, generosity, and not being afraid to stand alone. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or just someone looking for support (not a handout), Arlene’s lessons on curiosity, empathy, and nation-building will stay with you long after the episode ends. A big thank you to RBC and RBC Wealth for supporting and sharing these stories of positivity and possibility.
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Diane Dupuy - This Show Must Go On
07/03/2025
Diane Dupuy - This Show Must Go On
I try not to play favourites, but this week’s guest may be the most extraordinary human I’ve ever interviewed. Diane Dupuy is the founder of Famous PEOPLE Players, a Black Light theatre company where the performers are individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. On stage, they become invisible, allowing life-sized puppets to dance, dazzle, and delight the audience. Offstage, they find purpose, dignity, and a chance to be part of something magical. In this profoundly moving episode, Diane shares how she turned her childhood trauma, learning challenges, and rejection by society into a purpose-driven life. Famous PEOPLE Players is her ever-burning flame of inclusion, artistry, and belief in human potential. From being discovered by Liberace—who invited the troupe to open for him in Las Vegas—to receiving support from Paul Newman, Senator Ted Kennedy, and even a standing ovation from Phil Collins, Diane’s journey is one of sheer will and unstoppable passion. No funding? She finds a way. Border blocks? She calls the White House. Criticism? She answers with applause. But today, this company which has changed so many lives is fighting to keep its lights on. With no government funding, they rely solely on ticket sales, donations, and sponsorships. If this episode moves you—and it will—share it. And if you can, support the show that refuses to stop, because for Diane Dupuy and her PLAYERS, the show must go on. And please stay to hear what Andrea Barrack, from RBC, has to say about the role that organizations can play in creating a better world. Visit . Help keep the curtain up. RBC: Purpose Framework:
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Dapo Bankole - From Barriers to Bridges
06/25/2025
Dapo Bankole - From Barriers to Bridges
What happens when a lifelong dream clashes with a tough new reality? This episode follows the compelling journey of Dapo Bankole, who left everything behind in Nigeria to create a brighter future for his family in Canada. But what awaited him wasn’t a red carpet—it was a steep climb of survival jobs, diminishing savings, and the gradual loss of self-worth. Through honest storytelling and deep reflection, Dapo shares how mentorship, microloans, and community support not only rebuilt his life but also inspired him to build bridges for others. His transformation from a struggling newcomer to founder of The Immigrant Life serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we stop wasting talent and start investing in human potential. Joining the conversation is Andrea Barrack, Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Impact at RBC, who explains why RBC is supporting Windmill Microlending—a groundbreaking organization helping thousands of skilled newcomers reclaim their careers, dignity, and dreams. A beautiful story of dreaming, doing and doing for others awaits.
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Peter Samuelson - Finding Happy
06/19/2025
Peter Samuelson - Finding Happy
From Hollywood Hits to Finding Happy: Peter Samuelson’s Mission to Lift Others Peter Samuelson could have stayed in Hollywood, producing box-office hits like Revenge of the Nerds and The Return of the Pink Panther. Instead, he utilized his storytelling and leadership skills to rewrite the script of his life, founding seven nonprofits that empower society’s most overlooked individuals, including those in foster care. In this inspiring episode, Peter reveals the decisive moments that shaped him, like a life-changing nudge from a 10th-grade teacher and his father’s unwavering belief in education. We explore his journey from film sets to social impact, from co-founding the Starlight Children’s Foundation with Emma Samms and STARBRIGHT World with Steven Spielberg, to building First Star, a program that sends 90% of foster teens to college. Peter also shares the wisdom behind his new book, Finding Happy, a field guide for Gen Z and Millennials navigating life’s complexities. Packed with insight, humour, and “madcap adventures,” it’s a reminder that long-term happiness isn’t about fame or fortune—it’s about helping others. If you’re looking for hope, purpose, and 'finding happy', don’t miss this conversation. Andrea Barrack returns to the show to talk about the role organizations can play to support individuals and communities.
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Alok Ahuja - In His Footsteps
06/12/2025
Alok Ahuja - In His Footsteps
In this deeply personal and moving episode, I sit down with Alok Ahuja, co-founder and CEO of Trexity, for a conversation that goes far beyond business. When Alok’s father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Alok left a high-flying role at Shopify to become his full-time caregiver. That decision, rooted in love, sparked a journey of clarity, purpose, and the founding of a company built to serve Main Street, not Bay Street. This is a story of legacy, resilience, and how one man chose presence over prestige to honor the father who shaped him. It’s also about the kind of father Alok hopes to be. “My goal in life is not to say to my kids, but to show to my kids, to lead by example that hard work pays off.” This Father’s Day, we celebrate the mentors, protectors, and everyday heroes who show up to lift their future, and ours on their shoulders. To learn more about Trexity. https://trexity.com
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Corey Conners - One Shot at a Time
06/05/2025
Corey Conners - One Shot at a Time
In this episode of Chatter That Matters, as the RBC Canadian Open is minutes away from teeing off, I sit down with PGA Tour winner and Canadian golf icon Corey Conners. From his roots in Listowel, Ontario, to competing on the world stage, Corey’s journey is a testament to discipline, humility, and perseverance. Corey discusses his childhood passion for hockey and golf, the connection between math and mindset, and how fatherhood has altered his perspective on life and legacy. He also shares what it means to represent Canada in the Olympics and Presidents Cup, and the pride he feels wearing both the Maple Leaf and RBC shield. This episode isn’t just for golf fans—it’s about what it takes to chase your dreams and stay true to yourself along the way. I close with three takeaways from our conversation, and Mark Soder from RBC joins me to discuss why Golf matters to you, to me and to RBC.
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Bashak Ilhan - The Louder, the Bolder
05/29/2025
Bashak Ilhan - The Louder, the Bolder
An incredible story of a woman who takes the torch ignited by her father’s entrepreneurial spirit and uses it to light up entrepreneurial dreams and positive change across continents and industries, all with heart, humanity, and hustle. Bashak Ilhan is a founder, five-time entrepreneur, digital strategist, and brand architect who has achieved two multi-million-dollar exits and boasts a global career that spans London, the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S. Bashak doesn’t follow the rules; she rewrites the playbook. This episode is more than a resume—it’s a revelation. It tells the story of an individual who embraces her identity, relies on her resilience, and continually reinvents herself and her enterprises to seek and realize opportunities. A blueprint for lighting your path in an increasingly complex world. To learn more about Bashak's offering, Road Branding, and how they help companies expand internationally and manage their B2C and B2B operations,
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Cheryl Hickey - Entertainment Tonight to Entertaining What's Next
05/22/2025
Cheryl Hickey - Entertainment Tonight to Entertaining What's Next
In this inspiring and deeply personal episode, Cheryl Hickey, the beloved former co-host of Entertainment Tonight Canada, takes us beyond the glitz of red carpets and celebrity interviews to share her remarkable journey from a small town to the national spotlight. With warmth and honesty, Cheryl reflects on the moments that shaped her. She navigated challenges and a health scare, embraced personal transformations, and celebrated the joys and lessons of motherhood. She opens up about life after the spotlight, how she’s redefining success on her terms, and why she’s more excited than ever about what comes next.
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Taylor Cavanaugh - Bridge Over Troubled Waters
05/15/2025
Taylor Cavanaugh - Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Bridge Over Troubled Waters: Taylor Cavanaugh’s Journey from Demons to Desire Some fall and stay broken. Others build a bridge and rise. Taylor Cavanaugh was a gifted student and elite athlete—but he was also a restless spirit chasing chaos. His journey spirals through addiction, jail, bar fights, and breakdowns. Then, somehow, a way through. He claws his way into the Navy SEALs. Falls again. Reinvents himself through one of the most brutal gauntlets on earth: the French Foreign Legion. In this powerful episode of Chatter That Matters, Taylor shares how he battled his demons, confronted his darkest truths, and rebuilt himself through pain, purpose, and discipline. He speaks candidly about finding meaning not in titles, but in habits. Not in pleasure, but in purpose. Taylor’s story is a reminder that no matter how deep the water, you can build a bridge—and cross it.
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