In this special edition of Chatter That Matters, which airs today on radio and across my podcast platform, I explore the key branding and societal trends of 2024. I emphasize the importance of authenticity, understanding your audience, and adaptability. I highlight successful campaigns like the Paris 2024 Olympics, which captivated audiences through unfiltered athlete stories, and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, which underscored the power of compelling narratives. On the other hand, I analyze notable...
Dec 30, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 211
I begin this episode reflecting on my sister Anna, whose presence and influence in my life have grown more meaningful with time. Her quiet wisdom has deepened my understanding of connection and purpose, revealing lessons I only truly began to appreciate in recent years. From there, I introduce Che Marville—a modern-day healer and visionary. Che’s work centers on reconnecting us to the deeper energies that bind us, cutting through the noise of ego, power, and material distractions. She masterfull...
Dec 26, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 210
I was sitting in the green room of a Canadian television station when Sim Seera walked in. She has such positive energy. Since we were both early for our appearances, we used the time to talk and get to know each other. I liked her immediately, and when she told me her story, I knew I had to share it on Chatter That Matters. I also wanted to share her energy with an audience, so I taped the interview in front of a packed house at the Convenience Industry Council of Canada's annual summit. This u...
Dec 19, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 209
This week on Chatter that Matters , we explore the profound impact of our surroundings on our health, emotions, and overall well-being. World-renowned architect and thought leader Tye Farrow joins me to discuss how our spaces can elevate our lives, offering more than shelter. Tye shares insights from his groundbreaking book, Constructing Health , in which he integrates neuroscience with architecture to advocate for salutogenic design —a transformative approach that fosters well-being. From the i...
Dec 12, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 208
Have you ever watched a movie that lingered in your thoughts long after the credits rolled? That’s exactly how I felt after sitting down with Mitchell Cohen. Many share this sentiment as Mitchell is a true Renaissance man—a thinker, doer, musician, and composer. His mesmerizing cadence makes every moment spent listening to him an absolute delight. Mitchell has devoted much of his life to addressing one of Canada’s most pressing challenges: affordable housing. Mitchell's influence is immense as t...
Dec 05, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 207
One of our great behavioural scientists, the bestselling author of Behave, dives to the depths of the science and the philosophy of decision-making to mount a devastating case against free will, an argument with profound consequences. After listening, ask yourself, what side are you on? Are we indeed the masters of our fate, or is free will nothing more than an illusion? In this week’s episode, I sit down with renowned neuroscientist and Stanford professor Dr. Robert Sapolsky to explore the prov...
Nov 28, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 206
Imagine being Suzanne Heywood, a seven-year-old girl who must abandon all she knows: friends, school, home and surroundings because her parent's dream is to spend three years sailing across the globe, retracing the route of Captain James Cook. Three years turned into a decade and a living nightmare aboard the Wavewalker-A 70-foot sailboat boat, often shared with strangers to help fund the trip. The family encounters violent storms and life-threatening injuries, and for Suzanne emotional abandonm...
Nov 21, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 205
This is the extraordinary true story of Tier One Special Forces soldier, adventurer, and world-record breaker Dean Stott. In a gripping retelling of his story, Dean shares insight into his esteemed military career in the British Army, where he conducted deployments to hostile environments, worked within counterterrorism operations in some of the most dangerous places in the world, and survived a horrific parachute accident. Stott discloses how he continued to fuel his journey of excellence by st...
Nov 14, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 204
Uncover the shocking truth about human and sex trafficking in Canada with survivor Kaitlin Bick who courageously shares her journey from vulnerability to victimization and ultimately to becoming an advocate for others. Kaitlin's raw and honest account of her childhood insecurities, substance abuse, and exploitation provides a deeply personal perspective on the complex factors that can lead to the crimes that were inflicted on her humanity and how hard it is to return your life to some form of no...
Nov 07, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 203
Reinventing Healthcare, Four Women at a Time. In this powerful episode, I chat with Amy Louis-Bayliss, MD MSCP, and Lindsay Stollery Jephcott, two of four visionary women—three doctors and an entrepreneur—who unite to transform women’s healthcare. Rather than rushing to build a business, they began by aligning their values and purpose, grounding their venture in a commitment to make a real impact. Through Lume Women + Health, they tackle a crucial, often overlooked need: personalized healthcare ...
Oct 31, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 202
I sit down with the remarkable Debbie Travis, a woman who has spent her life pursuing her dreams, taking bold leaps, and transforming television. Debbie is an entrepreneur extraordinaire. We learn about her humble beginnings to becoming a successful model, a world-renowned and beloved television personality, author, speaker, and today running a Villa in Tuscany. Debbie’s unapologetic honesty shines through as she discusses her challenges and how she turned them into opportunities. Whether you're...
Oct 24, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 201
In this episode of Chatter that Matters, I take on one of the toughest challenges facing us today, and many would argue one of our biggest problems to solve: affordable housing. First, you’ll meet Calum MacKay, a young man and a captivating storyteller who takes us on his journey of turning the impossible into reality. Living in Vancouver, where home prices are sky-high, Calum and his wife faced the harsh truth that even with their combined incomes, they couldn’t afford to rent, let alone buy a ...
Oct 17, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 204
Sitting down with extraordinary entrepreneur and thought leader Chip Conley was an absolute joy. In his twenties, he founded Joie de Vivre Hospitality. After facing near death, he sold his business and helped mentor the founders of Airbnb to realize their success. A best-selling author, sought-after speaker, and visionary. Chip now leads an extraordinary movement to redefine how we approach aging through the Modern Elder Academy. Some of the key takeaways: A Deep Dive into Curiosity : Chip share...
Oct 10, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 203
We live in troubling times where the dangerous echoes of history pound onto Canada's streets. Chants calling for the eradication of an entire population are not just words—they are a chilling reminder of humanity’s darkest chapters. My show this week confronts the reality of the genocide, both past and present, and explores how hate-filled rhetoric, left unchecked, can lead to unimaginable atrocities. I want to understand more about genocide and why it is even possible. Why are some humans, and ...
Oct 03, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 202
"Aging is a design problem, not a disease. Our current societal infrastructure isn't just outdated; it limits the possibilities for fulfilling, extended lives." – Dr. Joe Coughlin. Are you ready to rethink your approach to aging and retirement? In this life-opening episode of Chatter That Matters, I sit down with Dr. Joe F. Coughlin, founder and director of the MIT AgeLab. We dive deep into the transformative insights from Dr. Coughlin's pioneering work on aging. From the importance of planning ...
Sep 26, 2024•58 min•Season 4Ep. 201
Have you ever wondered what it was like to raise Beyoncé as a father and be her manager? Or how Destiny's Child came to be one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. The role brands like L’Oréal and Pepsi played in Beyoncé's early success as a solo artist. Mathew Knowles, the father of Beyoncé and Solange, joins Chatter that Matters to share his remarkable journey from a Father of Beyoncé and Solange to a Music Industry Manager, then a Mogul to a Civil Rights Crusader, a Survivor of Male B...
Sep 19, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 200
Today, 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...
Sep 12, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 199
As the Paralympics light up Paris this week, with athletes from over 170 countries showcasing their incredible talents, I felt compelled to do a special show to honor their achievements. My journey led me to the inspiring story of Danielle Campo—someone who has never let her disability define her. Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and once told she'd never walk, Danielle not only defied their predictions but went on to become a world record holder and an eight-time Paralympic medalist in swimmin...
Sep 05, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 198
As the world eagerly anticipates the premiere of the new documentary on The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), I am thrilled to bring you an exclusive interview with Jake Gold, one of the world's music mavens, Canadian Idol Judge, and the legendary manager who played a pivotal role in shaping The Hip's iconic career. Jake Gold managed The Tragically Hip during their rise to fame, offering unparalleled insights into the band's journey, their chem...
Aug 29, 2024•47 min•Season 4Ep. 197
In this heartfelt episode, I interview Jan Stewart, a mental health advocate, and author of Hold on Tight: A Parent's Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness. Jan shares her deeply personal journey of raising two neurodivergent children, Andrew and Ainsley, and the challenges her family has faced. From early signs of their children’s struggles to navigating a complex healthcare system, Jan's story is one of resilience, love, and relentless advocacy. Despite the immense challenges, Jan finds...
Aug 22, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 196
Ever wondered what it was like to live at Paul McCartney's place, or the band dynamics within the members of Rolling Stones? Find out in our exclusive Chatter That Matters episode where Prince Stash shares the 1960s counterculture and his time playing music and hanging out with members of the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and many more. A wonderful storyteller, Prince Stash, transports us to an era of radical change, creativity, and rebellion. His stories are not just memories but le...
Aug 15, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 195
How many of the world's creative thinkers - our songwriters, poets, comedians, and artists began life escaping from the reality of their life? One that I know is my guest this week. Aaron Starkman is one of the top 100 Creative Minds in Advertising, and the Chief Creative Officer of Rethink, a Canadian Agency that is recognized as the best in the world. Aaron shares his journey from a challenging childhood to rising to the top while offering insights into the creative process and why processing ...
Aug 08, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 194
One of my favourite quotes is by Steve Jobs, who once said, "We're here to put a dent in the universe." I celebrate those who choose to do so, who overcome circumstances to chase their dreams and change their world and ours for the better. I'm thrilled to introduce my guest for today's episode: Jon Cornish. Jon Cornish is a dynamic and multifaceted individual. As a former College and CFL star, he established himself as one of the most outstanding athletes in Canadian football history. Beyond his...
Aug 01, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 193
Dr. Brian Goldman is a veteran ER physician and an award-winning medical reporter for CBC Television's The Health Show and The National. He's known across Canada as CBC Radio One's "House Doctor." Brian has a proven knack for making sense of medical baffelgab. He has two top-rated shows, White Coat Black Art and The Dose. On Chatter that Matters, Dr. Goldman shares his journey from a young medical resident to seasoned physician, and how, including the loss of his sister to dementia, he learned t...
Jul 25, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 192
'Heaven is the Feeling One Leaves on Earth.' Abandoned at Birth. Join me this week on Chatter that Matters for the heart-wrenching and uplifting story of Janet Sherlund, author of Abandoned at Birth: Searching for the Arms That Once Held Me. Janet discusses the profound effects of adoption on her identity and self-esteem, sharing her lifelong quest to reconnect with her birth parents and uncover who she is. I cried when Janet discovered her adoption details, celebrated her life-changing reunion ...
Jul 18, 2024•48 min•Season 4Ep. 191
To build excitement for the Paris Olympics episode, I sit down with the inspirational Avalon Wasteneys, a Canadian Olympic Gold Medallist and a powerhouse in the rowing world. Avalon shares her journey from being raised in a family of world-renowned athletes to what it took to be part of a team that won Olympic Gold. From her early days as a competitive cross-country skier to putting her oar into the water, Avalon's lane is powered by resilience, passion, and unwavering self-belief. Avalon share...
Jul 11, 2024•47 min•Season 4Ep. 190
Emma Beehler - Her Beautiful Autistic Mind. In today's episode of Chatter that Matters, we challenge perceptions about neurodiversity. Society often views neurodiverse individuals through a lens of limitation versus exploration. We overlook the extraordinary contributions of neurodiverse minds to our world. From scientific breakthroughs to artistic masterpieces, many of our advancements have been through their unique lens onto our world. Joining me are Emma Beehler, a remarkable young woman who ...
Jul 04, 2024•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 189
Canada. It’s Time. On our country's birthday, I break my show format to discuss what we need to do as a nation to pursue our future. This future is not a distant dream but a reality we must actively shape, marked by purpose, passion, pursuit, and laddering to prosperity and peace. I begin the show with my take on Canada and why we need to create a magnetic culture to attract the best and the brightest to stay in Canada and come to Canada to shift from a passive, reactive and negative mindset to ...
Jun 27, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 4Ep. 188
You will soon hear why I found Derek Blais an exceptional guest. He has the spirit of youth but with the presence and insights of an elder. Derek's journey embodies the spirit of Chatter that Matters by sharing how he overcame circumstances to chase his dreams but change his world and ours for the better. Derek speaks candidly about his struggles and triumphs, including the pivotal moment of embracing his Indigenous identity and the profound impact of a life-threatening and then-changing motorcy...
Jun 20, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 187
How do I follow up on last week's interview with Malcolm Gladwell? Joining me today is best-selling author and world-renowned speaker Joe Roberts. Joe shares his moving and incredible journey from homelessness and addiction to becoming an entrepreneur, CEO, and, today, an influential advocate for youth. Joe lives to inspire change and offers actionable steps for overcoming challenges, fostering resilience, and reclaiming dreams. Andrea Barrack from RBC returns to the show to discuss their Purpos...
Jun 13, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 186
