The VOW - podcast cover

The VOW

Tanya Eklundvoiceofwomen.ca
The VOW, Voice of Women, is a Calgary, AB based podcast built on the empowerment of others through the sharing of real life stories. Hosted by Realtor/entrepreneur, Tanya Eklund. Tanya dives into the lives of admirable women over coming everyday challenges while exploring what they do to maintain a positive push for what the future holds.
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Episodes

Jenn Harper

Jenn Harper is the founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, an Indigenous-owned and sustainability-driven cosmetics brand that’s changing the face of beauty—literally. A proud Anishinaabe woman from Northwest Angle #33 First Nation, Jenn is known for weaving Indigenous wisdom, sustainability, and bold innovation into every aspect of her business. Since her groundbreaking appearance on CBC’s Dragon’s Den in 2019, she has become a powerful voice for Indigenous youth and representation in beauty. From ...

Jul 10, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 190

Violeta Rangel

Violeta Rangel is a resilient force of nature, a woman who’s turned adversity into purpose. From experiencing poverty and homelessness in Mexico as a child to rebuilding her life as a single mother across three countries, her journey is one of reinvention, courage, and unwavering determination. After leaving behind a life she built in Amsterdam, Violeta started over in Canada with her two-year-old and no safety net — just hope and grit. Today, she empowers women to rise above their circumstances...

Jun 19, 202549 minEp. 189

Vicki Tyler

Vicki Tyler is a fearless leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for bold living. Surviving two near-death experiences, she defied the odds—transforming from a backpacker to President of Flight Centre USA and later building a thriving real estate development company in LA. Drawing from corporate leadership, behavioral science, and her own resilience, she created the .045% Mindset, a powerful framework to help ambitious women break self-doubt and take fearless action. Passionate about impact, Vicki h...

Jun 13, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 187

Joumana & Mariam Moallem

oumana Moallem is the devoted mother of Mariam, who lives with a chronic case of Sickle Cell Disease. As her primary caregiver, Joumana has dedicated her life to ensuring her daughter’s health and happiness while navigating the daily challenges of this complex illness. Together, Joumana and her daughter are passionate about raising awareness of Sickle Cell Disease. By sharing their journey, Mariam hopes to inspire others with her resilience, while Joumana highlights the strength and sacrifices o...

May 27, 202548 minEp. 187

Ellen Silverman

After 30 years as a Wall Street analyst, Ellen Silverman traded finance for real estate, bringing her sharp analytical skills and passion for people to the competitive NYC market. For the past eight years, she has helped buyers, sellers, and renters navigate Manhattan’s fast-paced landscape with a strategic yet personal approach. Ellen understands that real estate is more than transactions—it’s about life’s biggest decisions. Whether negotiating a multimillion-dollar deal or guiding first-time b...

May 21, 202559 minEp. 186

Holly Carroll

Holly Carroll is a #1 Best-Selling Author, Luxury Realtor, and Mentor dedicated to empowering women to unlock their full potential. As Managing Director of The Agency Muskoka, she’s built a thriving real estate career fueled by confidence, resilience, and personal transformation. A former Miss Canada, Holly leverages her platform to champion philanthropy and mentorship, helping others overcome self-sabotage and step into their power. She’s the founder of Women Empower Women Co. and Finding The B...

May 13, 202559 minEp. 185

Karen Gosbee

Karen Gosbee is a courageous advocate, author, and survivor who turned her personal tragedy into a powerful mission to raise awareness around domestic abuse, mental health, and addiction. Once trapped in a seemingly perfect life with a successful husband, Karen's world shattered when she realized the psychological and emotional abuse she had endured. After the tragic suicide of her husband, she found her voice and began sharing her story to help others break free from the silence of abuse. Throu...

May 01, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 184

Carol Murray

In 1997, a routine skydive turned into a nightmare for Carol Murray when her parachute malfunctioned, sending her plummeting to the ground at 55 mph. Miraculously, she survived—but with life-altering injuries, including multiple fractures, a punctured lung, and years of gruelling rehabilitation. Despite enduring over 25 surgeries and chronic pain, Carol refused to let tragedy define her. A professional fundraiser and adventurer at heart, she continues to embrace life—though skydiving is off the ...

Apr 28, 202558 minEp. 182

Linda McLean

Linda Faye Campbell McLean is a storyteller, podcast host, and author of Route 1-75: Memoir & Musings from My 75-Year Road Trip . Through her memoir and My 75-Year Road Trip podcast, she shares raw, honest, and often humorous reflections on resilience, loss, love, and the power of sisterhood. A trailblazer in her community, Linda was the first female Rotary President in her Valley, a longtime volunteer, and the founder of the Comox Valley Women’s Business Network. From surviving breast cance...

Apr 22, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 182

Hope Zvara

Hope Zvara is the CEO and founder of Mother Trucker Yoga and Road Relief Wellness, transforming truck driver health with simple, effective solutions. A trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, she has been featured in Forbes , PBS , and the Emmy-nominated StartUp . After overcoming addiction and the loss of her first daughter, Hope turned pain into purpose, proving that small changes create a lasting impact. A sought-after speaker and SiriusXM guest, she is on a mission to help others reclaim t...

Apr 02, 20251 hr 3 minEp. 181

Lori-Anne Toone

Lori-Anne Toone, born and raised in Paradise, Newfoundland, is a dynamic force blending education, fitness, and family life. With degrees in Sociology, History, and Public Relations, she transitioned from corporate communications in Alberta's oil and gas industry to teaching at SAIT. A proud mom of two daughters, Lori-Anne has embraced life on and off the stage, competing in Mrs. Globe pageants and record-breaking bodybuilding competitions, including earning 10 awards at the CPA Alberta Summer N...

Mar 28, 20251 hr 14 minEp. 180

Renee Exelbert

Renee Exelbert is a two-time breast and skin cancer survivor, psychologist, personal trainer, and author of Chemo Muscles: Lessons Learned From Being a Psycho-Oncologist and Cancer Survivor. She empowers others to transform adversity into strength through the mind-body connection, blending positive thinking, exercise, and visualization. Passionate about resilience, Renee helps individuals overcome trauma, achieve their goals, and optimize their health—proving that with the right mindset, anythin...

Mar 12, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 179

Lola Reid Allin

Lola Reid Allin is a trailblazing commercial pilot, author, and advocate for women in aviation. Her journey from a bullied wife to soaring the skies is a testament to resilience and self-empowerment. Breaking free from an abusive marriage, Lola pursued her passion for flying in the 1980s, a time when women made up only 4% of commercial pilots. Defying societal norms, she became a symbol of courage and determination in a male-dominated industry. Through her memoir, HIGHWAY to the SKY, and her wor...

Feb 28, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 178

Cait Alexander

Today, we’re honoured to share the incredible story of Cait Alexander. Cait’s journey is one of resilience and transformation after surviving a life-threatening attack by her ex-partner in 2021. Despite the legal system’s failure to bring her attacker to justice, Cait channelled her pain into purpose, founding End Violence Everywhere (EVE) to advocate for survivors of intimate partner violence. Cait opens up about how her relationship spiralled into danger, the gaps in the system that left her v...

Feb 24, 202559 min

Dr. Fidaa Wishah

Dr. Fidaa Wishah’s journey from a refugee camp in Gaza to a pediatric radiologist at Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital is a testament to resilience and hope. A top medical student at Jordan University of Science and Technology, she now blends cutting-edge expertise with deep empathy, shaped by her experiences in war-torn Gaza. A proud wife, mother of two, and marathon runner, Dr. Wishah finds strength in every step—whether in life, work or on the track. Her story inspires others to p...

Feb 19, 202555 minEp. 176

Di Katz-Shachar

Di Katz-Shachar is a Master Fitness Trainer, entrepreneur, author, and speaker with nearly 20 years of experience transforming lives through holistic wellness. As the founder of Bodyholic and author of Rip It Up. For Good: Your Guide to the Best Shape of Your Life... Minus the Stress , she inspires individuals to achieve their fitness goals while finding balance and peace. Living in Israel, Di balances life as a CEO, mother, and wife amidst the challenges of a turbulent region, drawing strength ...

Feb 12, 20251 hr 15 minEp. 172

Karina Gould

Karina Gould is redefining leadership in Canada. As the first cabinet minister to give birth while in office, she broke barriers, setting a powerful example for women balancing careers and motherhood. Serving as the Member of Parliament for Burlington, Ontario, Karina has championed affordable childcare, gender equality, and inclusive communities, creating transformative opportunities for families across Canada. A mother, trailblazer, and advocate, Karina’s journey reflects resilience and a deep...

Jan 21, 202538 minEp. 174

Dr. Tamara Beckford

Dr. Tamara Beckford is a board-certified emergency medicine physician, author, speaker, and the CEO of UR Caring Docs, where she helps high-achieving women overcome burnout and reclaim joy and purpose. Having personally faced the challenges of burnout, Dr. Beckford combines her clinical expertise with a deep understanding of self-care, resilience, and mental health. She hosts The Dr. Tamara Beckford Show, a podcast spotlighting physician stories around wellness, and she actively mentors future d...

Jan 13, 202546 minEp. 170

Dietrich Desmarais

Unlocking Emotional Wealth in 2025: A Conversation with Dietrich Desmarais In today's extraordinary episode, we’re stepping into a realm that will revolutionize how you view your financial goals and emotional well-being. While money often takes center stage in New Year’s resolutions, how we talk about it with our partners can hold the key to more than just financial success—it can reshape our emotional wealth. Join visionary leader Dietrich Desmarais , founder of Emotional Wealth Management Inc....

Jan 03, 20251 hr 14 minEp. 172

Masesi Masilela

Masesi Masilela is an immigrant, former stay-at-home mom, and passionate advocate for education and community empowerment. From fostering family literacy to instilling leadership as a civilian instructor for the air cadets, Masesi has dedicated her life to helping others grow. As a school administrator and minister, she combines spiritual guidance with a commitment to creating inclusive learning environments. Through her diverse experiences, Masesi empowers women to embrace their potential and l...

Dec 16, 202455 minEp. 171

Christie Skiftun

Christie Skiftun is a devoted mother of four who has overcome bullying, financial hardships, divorce, and the challenges of single parenting. After leaving her marital home with few possessions, she rebuilt her life from the ground up, navigating both personal and professional setbacks. Having moved from Canada to the U.S., Christie faced the challenge of starting over in a new country while raising her children. Now, as her kids transition to university, she embraces a new chapter of personal g...

Nov 28, 202458 minEp. 169

Claire Masikewich

Claire Masikewich is a devoted mother and Director of Marketing who faced an unimaginable challenge when her 5-year-old daughter was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in May. Taking a step back from her career while her daughter is in treatment, Claire has dedicated herself to advocating for childhood cancer research. Throughout her life, Claire has struggled with anxiety, but this experience has revealed a strength she didn’t know she had. Instead of being overwhelmed, she’s navigated this difficul...

Nov 13, 202445 minEp. 167

Alison Maloni

Alison Maloni is a determined mom of three who transformed her life after facing significant challenges. When her wedding was cancelled, her business faltered, and she was left with only $10, Alison battled through debt, a returning eating disorder, and feelings of inadequacy. Instead of giving up, she rebuilt her life, becoming a network news anchor within a year and revitalizing her business. Now, Alison empowers other women to find their voice through her work as a journalist, writer, and spe...

Nov 03, 202458 minEp. 168

Jaime Breeze

Jaime Breeze is a psychic medium specializing in connecting with both people and pets. She bridges the communication gap between this world and the next, offering comfort, closure, and guidance. Her journey was profoundly shaped by the loss of her soul dog, Breeze, which deepened her empathy and resolve to help others through their grief. Jaime volunteers at charity events, donating all proceeds to the local SPCA, and fosters a compassionate community where human-animal bonds are honored. Jaime'...

Oct 16, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 167

Andrea Reindl

Andrea Reindl is a dynamic entrepreneur and single mom who built a 7-figure business without a high school diploma. Her story is one of incredible resilience. After losing her father, having 85% of her business revenue stolen by teammates, facing a lawsuit, and surviving rape—all within six months—Andrea fought back and thrived. Balancing business and motherhood, Andrea's dedication shines through her community involvement, hiring students, supporting sports teams, and offering free brand-buildi...

Oct 03, 202456 minEp. 165

Alexis Lee

Alexis Lee's life was on an upward trajectory. With a background in criminal justice and a thriving small business as a Personal Stylist, she was thriving. But in a split second, everything changed. A car accident left her with a Traumatic Brain Injury, altering her life forever. In the aftermath, Alexis faced immense challenges, both physical and emotional. Yet, through it all, she found solace in her faith and a newfound resilience. Her memoir, Beauty for Ashes: Memoir of a Traumatic Brain Inj...

Sep 24, 202445 minEp. 165

Chelsey Peat

Chelsey Peat was born with Sturge-Weber syndrome and defied the odds with life-saving brain surgery as an infant. Now, with nearly 40 years of experience living with a facial difference, she is an advocate for individuals with disfigurements and disabilities. Chelsey has worked with organizations like AboutFace Canada and Face Equality International, and her memoir, "Two Sides to a Face: My Journey with Sturge Weber Syndrome," chronicles her path to self-acceptance and resilience. Her story insp...

Sep 15, 202455 minEp. 164

Kim Bellas

In 2013, Kim Bellas faced a pivotal moment when her 15-year-old son began having seizures, preventing him from drinking alcohol at social events. Determined to support him, Kim decided to lead by example and gave up alcohol herself. What started as a three-month challenge quickly turned into a life-changing commitment. Ten years later, Kim is proud to celebrate a decade of sobriety. This journey has profoundly improved her physical and mental well-being, transforming her outlook on life. Kim now...

Sep 06, 202445 minEp. 163

Julie Savard-Shaw

Julie Savard-Shaw is a powerhouse in the fight for gender equality, with a resume that reads like a roadmap to progress. From advising Prime Minister Trudeau on groundbreaking policies like Canada’s first Feminist International Assistance Policy to spearheading initiatives that secured billions for gender equality, Julie’s impact is undeniable. She’s not just about politics—she co-founded a music school in rural Peru and advises on community projects closer to home. With degrees in Public Affair...

Aug 20, 202457 minEp. 162

Sandy Esprit

Meet Sandy Esprit: a force of resilience and empowerment. From experiencing homelessness three times during her childhood to now owning her home and thriving as a content creator and homeschooling mom, Sandy's journey is one of unwavering determination and triumph. She amplifies BIPOC-owned businesses and advocates for homeschooling, igniting change and inspiring others to reclaim their power and pursue their dreams. Sandy's story is a captivating testament to resilience, choice, and the transfo...

Aug 17, 202449 minEp. 161
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