What if saving a home could help save the planet and a family in need? We tear down 600 beautiful homes every year… That seems incredibly wasteful. Not just from a materials perspective. From a human one." — Glyn Lewis On this episode of Chatter That Matters, I sit down with Glyn Lewis, a man who's not just talking about sustainability—he's building it, one rescued home at a time. As founder of Renewal Development, Glyn turns wrecking balls into hope machines. Instead of demolishing homes, he re...
May 01, 2025•34 min•Season 4Ep. 232
What if Canada could become a global food superpower—from farm to fork, from field to plate? In this live-recorded episode taped at Farm Credit Canada's Future of Food Conference, I sat down with two titens transforming Canada's agricultural landscape: Curt Vossen, the visionary CEO of Richardson International, and Kristjan Hebert, a farmer who manages his tens of thousands of acress of land with intelligence, passion, and pursuit. Together, they tackle the future of food—from battling inefficie...
Apr 24, 2025•42 min•Season 4Ep. 231
Have you ever stood in a place that felt like more than just a location? Where the air carried stories, the land echoed memory, and you walked away with more than a photo, or even a memory that will last a lifetime, you walked away different? Two weeks ago on Chatter that Matters I interviewed Ben Cowan-Dewar who built Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs on Cape Breton Island. Two golf courses that have captured the attention of golfers all over the world and brought energy and vitallity to one of the ...
Apr 22, 2025•4 min•Season 4Ep. 230
Zita Cobb's story isn't just worth hearing—it's worth hugging. In this episode of Chatter That Matters, you'll meet a woman who helped to transform Fogo Island, one of the most remote and rugged places in Canada, into a beacon that attracts the world. Zita's perspective on hospitality, community, and the miracles of reimagining a place will change how you view tourism, shifting from merely visiting to truly experiencing Mother Nature and Human Nature. Zita speaks with wisdom carved from the rock...
Apr 17, 2025•45 min•Season 4Ep. 229
"Tourism advances our Cabot brand and provides people and communities with an incredible opportunity to escape inequality." – Ben Cowan-Dewar. Welcome to Chatter That Matters, where we share inspiring stories of human journeys, extraordinary dreams, and transformative ideas. The timing couldn't be more perfect for this episode—today marks the beginning of The Masters, one of the most celebrated sporting events of the year. It's also a pivotal moment as we explore ways to create a more self-relia...
Apr 10, 2025•44 min•Season 4Ep. 228
I am breaking format to share my conversation with Ben Mulroney this morning on his national radio show on the Corus network. I offer six transformative ideas for Canada on how we can thrive in the next decade. Forget the partisan debates and dive deep into bold ideas that transcend politics and policy. Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear: 1)Unlocking Canada's Tourism Potential: From a place to visit to the place to be. 2)Old and New": Powering the Future with Resources and Innovation: Can C...
Apr 07, 2025•9 min•Season 4Ep. 227
"We're not in the hospitality business. I create experiences. I create moments. I create memories." – Marcel Bregstein What does turning a dining room into a stage and service into soul-stirring theatre take? In this week's 'Taped Live' - Chatter That Matters , I sit down, glass in hand and mic on—with Marcel Bregstein: sommelier, showman, and the heart behind The Toronto Hunt, one of Canada's most extraordinary clubs. His story is a cinematic sweep—from privilege in Costa Rica, to hardship in C...
Apr 03, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 226
"I just have an idea. I'm motivated. I figure out how to do it, and away I go." I usually avoid experts who offer lifestyle advice since so many podcasts already cover that territory. However, I was at a loss for words when I learned more about Gina Livy's unique journey. Gina's story isn't about lost pounds but about purpose reclaimed. From a university experience that saw her gain 100 pounds and a new perspective to becoming a fierce entrepreneur who leads with instinct, Gina didn't just overc...
Mar 27, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 225
What if the challenges life throws at you aren't roadblocks but stepping stones to something greater? Born almost blind, Jennie Coleman never saw the world like others until a miraculous surgery at 13 changed everything. But that was just the beginning. She built a trailblazing career at Bombardier, specializing in corporate strategy and travelling between Montreal, Zurich, Berlin, and Beijing. Then, life threw her another challenge: her daughter Laura, born with an ultra-rare genetic mutation, ...
Mar 20, 2025•34 min•Season 4Ep. 224
I encourage everyone to listen to this interview. Why? It's about your longevity. Yes, adding years to your life—and more importantly bringing life to your years. It's about taking control of your health instead of leaving it to chance. I know this firsthand. After undergoing extensive advanced medical testing, I feel empowered. I now understand the changes I must make to enhance my longevity while living my best life. My guest is a visionary cardiologist and entrepreneur, Dr. Anmol Kapoor, foun...
Mar 13, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 223
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 sh...
Mar 06, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 222
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 de...
Feb 27, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 221
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 war...
Feb 20, 2025•38 min•Season 4Ep. 220
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, ...
Feb 13, 2025•39 min•Season 4Ep. 219
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...
Feb 06, 2025•26 min•Season 4Ep. 218
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 a...
Feb 03, 2025•5 min•Season 4Ep. 217
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 investi...
Jan 30, 2025•38 min•Season 4Ep. 216
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: Arlene Dickinson , Jon Love C.M. , and Dany Assaf . Recorded live at Excellence Canada 's 40th anniversary, weeks before Justin Trudeau '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 stron...
Jan 23, 2025•43 min•Season 4Ep. 215
"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 teen...
Jan 16, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 214
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 ...
Jan 09, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 213
I kick off the first Chatter That Matters episode of the new year by sharing my belief in the cosmic choreography of life—how meeting the right people at the right time is shaped by a blend of timing, fate, and intention. This belief perfectly sets the stage for my guest, Jennifer Laidlaw, whose presence and impact are extraordinary. From her roots on a farm to becoming a champion with horses, Jennifer's story could fill volumes. Yet, what truly sets her apart is her role as a catalyst for chang...
Jan 02, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 212
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 in...
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
