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

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: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/man-enough-to-heal-men-share-their-journeys-of-healing-and-hope

 

 

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:  https://www.amazon.com/Living-Life-Full-Throttle-Surviving/dp/1960876805

 

Today's episode of Chatter That Matters is a live taping, which I have always loved because we can feed off the audience's energy. My guest is Cam Inglis, the founder of Marble Slab Creamery Canada. Cam is an inspiring entrepreneur who shares his journey from dreaming of playing in the NHL to real estate before choosing the path of an entrepreneur.

During the show, we'll cover the daily challenges of running a franchise business and the reality that everything you know turns upside down when a pandemic closes your doors or one of Canada's biggest restaurant chains overnight becomes a significant competitor. We also learn why communication and transparency matter, especially during tough times. 

To provide more context, we'll have two additional guests. The first is Amarjot Bhatthal, an incredible entrepreneur who owns five Marble Slab franchises with her mother. I look forward to sharing their whole story on the show one day. Our second guest is Graeme Green, Director of Franchise Markets at RBC, who will discuss the attributes of an exceptional franchisor and a great franchisee.

A great episode and a treasure trove of valuable insights and lessons await.

In my second 'snackable chatter' I look at how we can rewire Elections from Negative to Positive," I delve into the tumultuous landscape of modern elections, which often feel like a relentless hailstorm of negativity, eroding the fabric of our society and trust in democracy. 

In three minutes, I present a refreshingly simple yet actionable concept aimed at rewiring elections to prioritize positivity and shift the focus towards substantive policy discussions.

Thanks for listening, subscribing and sharing.  It means the world to me.

 

I was so profoundly moved by Adam Robarts and his book 'Nineteen' that I had to have him on Chatter that Matters. Anyone who has had to deal with the loss of someone you love will also be moved and have their heart lifted as Adam shares his deeply personal and poignant love, loss, and spiritual journey.

Adam is a world-renowned architect, and his wife is an equally accomplished interior designer. They lived and raised their four children in China.

In December 2018, during a family vacation in Canada, Adam was asked what he would choose to be if he were not an architect. He replied without hesitation, "A hospice nurse." Five years earlier, he had a profound experience accompanying his father through the final weeks of life before he died of cancer in Uganda. Adam could not have imagined then that nine months later, he would begin to accompany his nineteen-year-old son, Haydn, through a battle with a rare brain cancer.

 Haydn graduated from this physical world in May 2020, at age 19, one week before his twentieth birthday. Adam's first book, Nineteen, shares the beautiful and poignant lessons learned on his family's journey with Haydn.

This interview radiates universal lessons, insights from religion and science, and important perspectives.  Haydn was a remarkable young man whose dignified response to his suffering provided essential wisdom and hopeful possibilities for anyone dealing with matters of life and death.

Leanne Kaufman, CEO of RBC Royal Trust, returns to the show to provide meaningful context.

 

To purchase Adam's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Nineteen-Insights-Learned-19-year-old-Cancer/dp/168245200X

To learn more about Royal Trust - https://www.rbcwealthmanagement.com/en-ca/royal-trust

 

''You have dreams and goals, even a direction, but you must be active for the universe and magic to happen. It must find you, but it won't if you hide in the corner. You must be out there for your desired reality to unfold.' Jesse Jones

I love taping Chatter that Matters in front of an audience. In this episode, we are live at Sheridan College and its stunning Hazel McCallion Campus, with students, faculty members, alums, and industry professionals in attendance and DJ Andre dropping the beats.

My guest is Jesse Jones. Jesse is a change maker, creator, communicator, media personality and connector of worlds, brands and humanity. Jesse and I explore how individuals can overcome personal challenges and today's realities to chase their dreams and change their world, and even ours, for the better.

Jesse is electric and offers several actionable ideas to foster positive transformations in your personal and professional life. Jones highlights the importance of choice, passion, and pursuit. He stresses the need for introspection, increased self-analysis, and self-care in our fast-paced world. Attending to our needs is the essential recharge for our mental health, creativity, and innovation. 

We take questions from the audience, and I invite two more guests to contribute to this inspirational conversation. Dr. Cherie Werhun is Sheridan's Associate Vice Provost of Human Development and strategic lead for Sheridan's S-Sense Initiative. Dr. Werhun emphasizes the need for educators to focus on the whole student, fostering a holistic approach to student development that focuses on the human capacities of agility, resilience, and adaptability.

Jodi Wright, Senior Director, Youth & Young Adult Client Strategy, RBC, joins the show to discuss the role organizations must play to help youth pursue their passions.

I am thrilled with the ideas presented in this show.  They are inspiring and actionable. If you can, please share with every young adult and anyone feeling overpowered by their circumstances.

Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/chatter-that-matters/id1478779098

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/39VeEJaL133GKpbkD07JoJ?si=d9a91723a4f14998

To find out more about

Jesse Jones. https://iamjessejones.com

Sheridan's S-Sense Initiative.

 https://www.sheridancollege.ca/admissions/why-sheridan/s-sense

RBC - My Money Matters. https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/en-ca/my-money-matters/

RBC - Student Hub. https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/student-solution/index.html

 

 

Patrick Asare went from abject poverty in a small village in Ghana to achieving international acclaim. In an inspiring interview, Patrick shared his remarkable story. He was born to illiterate parents, his father was a subsistence farmer, and his mother was a homemaker. Patrick was one of fourteen children living in a small mud house. Most children in his village didn't have the opportunity to continue their education beyond primary school, which perpetuated the cycle of poverty in the region.

However, Patrick had a gifted mind and with the support of his village, he earned a scholarship to a private school, although he never felt like he belonged there. Despite this, his academic achievements continued. He had the opportunity to study in the Soviet Union and the United States.

Patrick's relentless determination to never give up showcases the transformative power of an unstoppable spirit. It emphasizes the importance of self-belief and internal acceptance in overcoming external challenges. His story is a must-listen for anyone struggling with adversity or feeling overwhelmed by impossibility.

Jodi Wright from RBC joined Chatter that Matters to discuss their work in helping youth pursue their dreams.

 Ten quotes that mattered:

 1. "I started my journey from here, scaling all the way to achieve my dreams." - 06:32

 2. "I was determined to make something out of nothing and reach my goals." - 12:45

 3. "I refused to let circumstances define me, and I fought against all odds." - 18:10

 4. "I never gave up, even when I felt out of place and faced countless obstacles." - 23:15

 5. "I chose to use every setback as a stepping stone towards my success." - 31:50

 6. "I believed in myself when no one else did, and that made all the difference." - 38:20

 7. "I stayed resilient in the face of doubt and criticism, and that's how I prevailed." - 44:05

 8. "I turned every 'no' into a 'not yet' and kept pushing forward." - 50:30

 9. "I never allowed the limitations of others to limit my potential." - 56:40

 10. "I embraced every challenge as an opportunity to prove my strength and determination." - 1:03:15

 To learn more about Patrick Asare, please visit https://patrickasareauthor.com.

 To learn more about My Money Matters: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/en-ca/my-money-matters/

 

 

 

On occasion I change the format of Chatter that Matters, to offer you my observations on the status quo.  There is no finger-pointing; there are only ideas to improve upon it.

In this episode I look at the state of Democracy, and offer you my thoughts on what matters most to you, and the many generations to follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risa August is an Ironman Triathlete and an extraordinary cyclist known and highly respected for her love of pushing her physical limits. Risa is no stranger to intense challenges, having completed 500-mile bike tours and conquered mountains in the US and Nepal.

Then, Risa's life comes to a crashing halt. Her body is collapsing, and for good reason. She is diagnosed with a rare pituitary disease, a brain tumour that has been left unchecked for a decade.

After undergoing life-threatening brain surgery and trying to live inside a body that can barely function, Risa chooses a different path. She reaches into her bucket list, and against all her doctors' advice; she trains and embarks on a 41-day, 3,000 km bike tour from Canada to Mexico along the Pacific Coast Highway.

While the old Risa could have effortlessly conquered such a ride, the new Risa found herself entangled in a body that felt unfamiliar and accompanied by an unwelcome companion, her brain tumour she named Bubba. Pedalling through rain, physical pain, and the haunting echoes of her memories, Risa confronts a challenge unlike any other.

Risa questions whether the woman she once was and knew would ever resurface or if this is the person she was destined to become.

An extraordinary story of recovery, resilience, renovation and reinvention to begin your New Year.

 

To reach Risa August:  https://www.risaaugust.com

I wanted to create an entertaining and enlightening show for my New Year's Special.  My guest is Todd Norian, a renowned yoga teacher, author, musician, and the founder of Ashaya Yoga. Todd is known for his teaching emphasis on the alignment of body, mind, and heart. Todd is the author of "Tantra Yoga: Journey to Unbreakable Wholeness, A Memoir." Additionally, he is a musician and has released albums, including "Bija." 

Todd is a masterful storyteller who shares his life journey. His passion was music until he found a profound sense of peace and self-acceptance through Yoga. This led him to live in a Yoga Ashram in Pennsylvania, then Stockbridge, MA, for 13 years."

Twice in his life, the Gurus he was committed to chose to surrender their values for personal gain. Through facing the pain of those betrayals, Todd found a more profound inner wisdom – to transform betrayal from an impasse into a Rite of Passage. Ultimately, this is what motivated him to create Ashaya Yoga.

At 50:00, I conclude the show with my New Year's Message.

Thanks for being part of Chatter that Matters in 2023, and here's to 2024.

 

Some of Todd's lessons that he offers:

 

The Power of Destiny: "You know, fate is what's given to us, but destiny is what you do with that."

— Todd Norian [00:19:27 → 00:19:31]

 

The Balance of Yoga: "Everything in life is for your awakening. And from that mentality, everything in life has a certain meaning that we give to it and that we are perfectly imperfect just as we are, which is this embrace of ourselves, you know, with acceptance."

— Todd Norian [00:25:01 → 00:25:18]

Shadow Hugging: "I call it shadow hugging. It's when you put someone else on a pedestal who embodies all the positive qualities you need to recognize in yourself. Still, due to my feeling of lack or shame or unworthiness, I project that onto other People who are used to."

— Todd Norian [00:35:53 → 00:36:11]

The Essence of Tantra: "The bottom line is I want myself, and I believe everyone wants this as well, is to come to a deep recognition of who we are, that we're here on this planet to rediscover, to remember, to have A revelation of why we're here, of what is this? What is this body? What is this mind? You know, who am I? I am the essence of a question."

— Todd Norian [00:40:00 → 00:40:31]

To learn more about Todd, to buy his books or music: https://www.ashayayoga.com

I wanted to tackle loneliness for my holiday special this year as not all of us are surrounded by family and friends. The World Health Organization has declared loneliness a global health threat — as bad for your health as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day.  Loneliness is the most significant preventable risk factor for depression, addiction, and suicidality. It increases the chance of early death by 30%, more significant than the risk of obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and excessive drinking.

Loneliness also increases the risk of heart disease, dementia, and diabetes.

My guest this week is Pete Bombaci. Pete aims to make the world happier and healthier by eradicating loneliness. Our show was taped in front of a live audience of Managers from the City of Barrie, the Town of Innisfil and the County of Simcoe.

Pete talked about the GenWell Project, Canada's Human Connection Movement. Pete shares why social connection is the most significant contributor to happiness, empathy, compassion, and resilience, yet our world is more disconnected than ever.

Pete offers simple ideas to make connections more intentional.

Amy Deacon, the Founder and CEO of Toronto Wellness Counselling, joins me to explain why our multi-screening and multi-tasking youth are so lonely and what we need to do to encourage face-to-face connections.

Moments that Matter.

00:00 Tony Chapman's opening – a growing sense of impossibility

02:43 Introduce Pete Bombaci

04:37 Family life – a sister disabled, and the need to make time for others

05:48 Pete's Dad dies and how that impacted his life.

08:49 Working at a bar offered two key insights.

11:32 The great blackout changed Pete forever.

14:40 Major career shift to not-for-profit raised $42M in 3 years.

17:42 Gen World Project: Canada's movement for human connection.

20:43 Research emphasizes the benefits of human connection.

23:25 Shift from reactive to proactive employee support.

26:32 Encouraging team and organization activities for growth.

31:08 Encouraging more in-person interactions for youth.

32:56 What can we do for our kids, our elderly parents, ourselves

35:35 Irony – Pete feels alone trying to create the GenWell Project

36:37 Global health expert outlines the dangers of Loneliness

37:32 Tony shares a story about a lone hiker

40:30 What Leaders can do - Authenticity and consistency are key

42:28 Loneliness and AI

44:20 Navigating post-pandemic challenges requires careful consideration.

45:32 My three takeaways          

47:20 Amy Deacon, Founder of Toronto Wellness Counselling, joins the show

48:00 Amy explains why loneliness is so prevalent in the younger generation

49:14 What parents can do to help their children

50:26 Why parents are also part of the problem

 

I had a profound and heart-wrenching conversation with renowned infectious disease specialist Steffanie Strathdee. Steffanie is Canadian-born and named by Time Magazine as one of the 50 most influential people in healthcare.  She has written a book titled The Perfect Predator.  A Scientists race to save her Husband from a Deadly Superbug.

Steffanie's story unfolds like a gripping thriller. On holiday in Egypt, with her husband Tom, a deadly Superbug hijacks his body and it has Superpowers. It steals genes from other bacteria and the environment to resist antibiotics. 

This Superbug isn't an anamoloy. 5 million people will die from these types of infections in 2024. By 2050, that number is predicted to be 10 million. Why? The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in medicine and animal husbandry.

Tom is airlifted to Germany, where the doctors aren't only perplexed, they are terrified as in the past this Superbog has shut down entire hospitals. They can do nothing, so Tom is Medevaced to the US.  Fighting for his life, his organs shutting down, Tom is running out of time. Steffanie is desperate.  She sees a psyche, hears about a century-old forgotten cure developed by a French Canadian but must enlist a dream team to try to save his life.

What they uncover might save millions of lives, including yours and mine.

To buy Steffanie and Tom's Book: The Perfect Predator. A Scientist's Race to Save Her Husband from a Deadly Superbug. https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Predator-Scientists-Husband-Superbug/dp/0316418080

Time Code:

00:00 I introduce Stephanie Strathdee, An influential Scientist in infectious diseases.

04:48 Super Bugs are a Global Issue - 5 million deaths

05:57 Why aren't antibiotics working the way they used to? 
07:54 Global agencies urge action and lack accountability measures.

10:41 The Perfect Vacation turns on a dime - A Super Bug invades Tom's body
12:40 Epidemiologist in Germany shocked by a deadly antibiotic-resistant bacterium.
15:38 Germans send Tom to the United States; nothing they can do
18:02 Tom is dying; a squeeze from his hand changes everything

24:57 Phage could be the cure but against all odds
29:48 Phage preparation to remove toxic bacteria so treatment doesn't kill Tom
30:52 Steffanie must make a life-and-death decision
34:07 Tom treasures life and moments together; phage therapy is a last attempt.

36:18  Phage saved Tom; can it save you and me?

37:48 Was this a miracle?
39:51 Tony's Three Takeaways
41:51 Tony's holiday message to you

43:50 Tony's Holiday Message 

 

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

Join me to hear untold stories of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the birth of Canada. Acclaimed Author Stephen Bown shares excerpts from his new book Dominion, vividly describing the price paid to build the CPR and unite Canada. In this monumental saga, we learn about the ambitions, sacrifices, and the crimes against humanity that came with Canada's most extraordinary infrastructure project. 

 

Stephen paints a vivid picture of an era of greed, corruption, destruction, discriminatory labour practices and hubris that almost bankrupted a nation and wiped out the Indigenous Population. Was it worth it? You be the judge.

 

I ended the show by sharing my thoughts on what Canada needs to do to write its next chapter.

 

Key Moments

00:00 My opening

03:39 Stephen Bown – Rails and Tales

09:28 Fear of American control led to the need for a Canadian railway

13:10 Allan was influential, wealthy, politically connected, and manipulative.

14:24 Railway through Canadian Shield and financing scandal.

18:43 John A McDonald loses election, Mackenzie and more corruption.

23:34 Railways had devastating effects on Indigenous people.

24:56 Buffalo provided essential resources; extinction led to famine.

28:03 Chinese workers faced exploitation

35:23 Widespread corruption in both public and private sectors.

39:08 Riel's rebellion secured funding for the railway.

41:17 My takeaways

44:21 Tony – What Canada needs to do to write its next chapter

 

 

 

 

To buy Stephen Brown's book Dominion.

 

Indigo: 

 

https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/dominion-the-railway-and-the-rise-of-canada/9780385698726.html 

 

Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0385698720?tag=prhca-20 

 

 

 

 

 

What does it take to be exceptional? Why haven't we closed the gap if diversity has proven to create a more robust and resilient culture and greater profitability? Does that mean others must stand down if you stand for diversity and inclusion?  How can you create or contribute to a culture of excellence if the people you count on work remotely?  How can an individual make a difference in a world with many headwinds?  What does having privilege mean, and why should it be surrendered for the benefit of others?  Where do I find trust and a sense of belonging?  I am a parent of young children. What education or career do they pursue when AI is stripping away the value and contribution of humans?

I have so many questions about the future of work.  I started looking for answers, and a name that came up several times was Dr. Georgette Zinaty. I am glad she agreed to join me on Chatter that Matters.  I didn't hold back; she answered my questions with clarity and passion. 

Dr. Georgette Zinaty is a leadership and diversity expert, the author of the book 'Why Not You' and the founder of Women Helping Empower Women (WHEW!), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women leaders and promoting diversity.  She is also a TED speaker and Forbes contributor. 

This week, she started a new role as Chief of Staff at Myant, a disruptive company driving innovation in advanced material science, integrated systems, and advanced manufacturing to empower a future where humans, animals and the planet coexist harmoniously.

Andrea Barrack, Senior Vice President and lead champion of Corporate Citizenship and ESG at RBC joins the show and we discuss the role that organizations can and must play to ensure everyone, regardless of ethnicity or gender has a seat at the table.  We also talk about some of the challenges facing society and what can be done through our collective efforts.

I hope you enjoy both these conversation as much as the learning I garnered from them.

 

To buy Georgette Zinaty's book Why Not You: 

www.whewwomen.com  100% of the proceeds go to support her non-profit Women Helping Empower Women

 

If you don't have time for the entire episode here are my favourite spots.

I don't have what it takes to lead – 01:00

Dr. Georgette Zinaty Intro 02:35

Dr. Georgette Zinaty Challenges Tony Chapman. 03:04

Tony asks Georgette – did I give my Niece the right advice?  06:38

Remote Working and Culture:  07:21

We learn about Georgette's childhood. 10:11

Those kinds of skills don't expire:  16:51

Importance of Mentorship 19:21

AI and the Importance of Community. 21:43

Does diversity mean your son has to stand down?  25:28

A big idea for all youth – Personal Advisory Board 28:15

What should I do with my privilege? 30:22

We talk about her book:  What about you? 32:35

Will AI replace you? 37:59

Gender Gap is widening, why?  47:47

Tony's Three Takeaways 49:21

Andrea Barrack joins the show. 51:36.

Trust is falling in institutions. 53:00

What is our North Star   53:56

Hollowing out the middle class 55:00

What must be done to close the gap?  55:33

Government alone isn't the solution. 57:00

"We, as a society, do not talk about childhood abuse, and worse, many children between the ages of 5 to 18 go through some abuse."

— Deenah Patel [00:33:41 → 00:33:52]

 

Note: We don't share any details of the abuse; what Deenah shares is her path back.

Deenah Patel has twice joined me on Chatter that Matters to offer advice to help small business owners. When the microphone was turned off, Deenah opened up about her story of being sexually abused as a child, decades of deeply buried trauma and how it surfaced later in her life as severe physical and mental health issues.

I asked Deenah if she wanted to share her story and journey to reclaiming her life and identity, and she said yes in the hope it would help others. Deenah tells anyone seeking her advice, "You are worth finding the way to be better."

Deenah offers many powerful lessons in life for anyone struggling with their identity and self-worth. 

1)Everyone is going through something.

2)Permit yourself to care for yourself; don't bury it.

3)Express yourself because you are worth it, and you deserve to be the best 

4)Learn how to believe in yourself and believe in your beliefs.

5)You are in control of your future. 

Thank you, Deenah, for sharing; I will be the first of many who listen to your story to give you a virtual standing ovation.

Speaking of ovations, at the end of my show, Amy Deacon, the founder and CEO of Toronto Wellness Counselling, joins the show to provide context on overcoming trauma. Amy never disappoints, and her advice is content for all and content that matters.

10 Moments That Matter

 

1. [00:16] - Introduction and overview of Deenah Patel's story and the topics discussed in the episode.

2. [03:42] - Deenah shares her belief that society does not talk enough about abuse, particularly childhood abuse.

3. [08:52] - Deenah discusses the therapeutic aspect of verbalizing and speaking about her experience.

4. [15:31] - Deenah talks about her fear of regression if she comes in contact with her abuser again but emphasizes her strength and growth since then.

5. [22:09] - Deenah shares her experience confronting her abuser through therapy and letter therapy, setting boundaries and asking to be left alone.

6. [28:17] - Deenah discusses the challenges of coming forward as an adult about childhood abuse, including shame, self-doubt, and fear of judgment.

7. [33:42] - Deenah talks about the need for society to be more punitive towards and address grotesque behavior from adults.

8. [39:05] - Deenah shares her personal journey of helping others overcome traumatic circumstances and the importance of not judging oneself.

9. [42:39] - Deenah discusses her adult-onset childhood sexual abuse, resulting in PTSD and a mental illness.

10. [49:13] - Deenah highlights the challenges of finding the right mental health care and emphasizes the importance of seeking help and finding a practitioner who understands one's needs.

 

 

We have a surprise twist in this week's Chatter That Matters. Mark Ferrier steps in as guest host and interviews Tony Chapman on his journey.  Mark is a natural; the banter between them is like listening to two close friends, and you will uncover many parallels between their lives and I am guessing yours.

Tony shares a childhood where their family had to deal with emotional uncertainty and dire financial insecurities resulting from his father's failing mental health.

Tony promised himself that he would never put his family in a similar situation and that motivation propelled him into an entrepreneurial journey that has extended over decades.

Tony opens up about his successes and failures, the lessons he learned along the way, and how an unchecked ego cost people their jobs. Tony also expresses his gratitude for everyone who has helped him along the way with a special shout-out to RBC for investing in Chatter that Matters and sharing stories of positivity and possibility.

Tony closes the show talking about why Chatter that Matters, is his labour of love, and his passion for Canada and what must be done to reclaim our dream.

 

 Time Code:

02:02 Why family matters

03:09 Tony's journey, achievements, and lessons summarized.

06:37 Father's spending nearly bankrupts us, sparks change.

10:08 Grade 7 party, $20 payment, discovering radio.

14:35 Radio-inspired purpose: consumer insights, connecting, dreams.

16:48 Tony's first agency - Communique

19:35 Help others is the best reward of all.

24:31 Letting people go is the worst failure of all.

28:36 More change and transformation

30:50 Innovative ideas presented, uncertainty about the future.

34:02 Mentor, moderate, lead, market, sell for attention.

36:57 Overcoming circumstances, changing lives, powerful lessons.

40:29 Tony talks about the Canadian Dream

42:20 Tony talks about Education

45:41 Mark shares the three takeaways

 

 

Unveiling a Heartfelt Journey: Love, Family, and Resilience in Military Life. This week, we honour Remembrance Day by shedding light on the selfless commitment and sacrifice of military spouses. My guest is Vicki Cody, author of here memoir "Army Wife: A Story of Love and Family in the Heart of the Army," Vicki shares her experience as an army wife as well as a leader to many in her community.

Our story begins in the summer of 1969 when Vicki crosses paths with West Point cadet Dick Cody. What initially began as a schoolgirl crush blossomed into a profound love story, spanning almost fifty years of marriage. Vicki's steadfast support accompanies Dick throughout his remarkable career, from lieutenant to four-star general and Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. Her memoir "Army Wife" not only delves into the commitment between spouses but also paints a vivid picture of unwavering dedication to the military way of life.

While raising their two sons, Vicki learns to navigate the daily challenges intertwined with the Army's unique demands, including emotional roller coasters, extended separations and frequent relocations. Over more than three decades in an Army family, Vicki embraces her distinct circumstances and discovers joy, self-fulfillment, and pride while steadfastly preserving her identity as a woman, a leader, a successful author and a mentor to many others.

This poignant tale of love, honour and commitment is a unique and fitting tribute to Remembrance Day and the often-untold story of all who support those who serve.

At the 34:21 mark I end the show with my thoughts about November 11 and why this day matters.

Visit Vicki Cody's site to learn more and to buy her books:  https://vickicody.com

 

00:01:01 Admiring thought leaders, overcoming challenges, and a powerful love story.
00:03:25 Appreciating in-depth look at military life.
00:06:47 Dick Cody loved flying helicopters; no turning back.
00:10:50 Opposites attract strict military life versus college parties.
00:17:56 Time to settle down, he was ready.
00:22:28 Resentment over the military's indifferent and precise actions.
00:25:01 Inspirational figure brings an emotional connection to military families.
00:26:44 Army spouse not interested in advocacy role.
00:31:42 Trust, leadership, individuality, and embracing circumstances.
00:34:21 Tony talks about November 11 and why it matters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello everyone,

With so much negativity flooding our feeds and, with it a growing sense of impossibility manifesting into a mental health crisis, I encourage you to listen to this episode to uncover ways in which you can help. This isn't a show about committing suicide; it is about preventing it from happening. 

Some sobering facts: for every death by suicide, there are 20 attempts.  And with every attempt, on average, 135 people are impacted including family, friends, peers, neighbours etc.  

Please share. 

Tony

                                                   Steve Phillip. From Pain to Purpose

I was on LinkedIn one morning and came across a post by Steve Phillip. It was titled: 'I could have done more.' As a father, it moved me to tears. Steve talked about a phone call on December 4, 2019, that changed his life forever. He found out that his son Jordan, whom he had exchanged texts with the day before, had taken his own life. 

Jordan had a fantastic network of friends, was loved and admired by many, and was caring and fun, but he also struggled with his mental health. Jordan had been diagnosed with clinical anxiety and depression in 2015. As Steve says, a lot was happening beneath the surface we didn't see.

Faced with the choice of either sitting on a sofa with a bottle or creating something to prevent other families from having to experience the trauma of losing a loved one to suicide, Steve chose the latter.  He committed himself to doing whatever he could to have an impact in terms of reducing suicides so other families didn't have to experience the same pain and grief.

Leaning into the skills Steve had developed in his corporate career – public speaking, leadership, change management – Steve established The Jordan Legacy to provide hope, even a path for people who are feeling suicidal. Their mission is to engage others to move towards a zero-suicide community, which he defines as one in which everyone is willing and able to do all they can to stop preventable suicides.

 

To find out more about the Jordan Legacy,  https://thejordanlegacy.com

To find out more about what RBC is doing to support mental well being with our youth: https://www.rbc.com/en/future-launch/browse-by-topic/mental-well-being/

 

Today's episode marks my 200th episode of Chatter that Matters.  My guest is the marvellous Myra Sable, who, in her eighties, continues to build her gourmet food company, Sable and Rosenfeld, while being a warrior for a better world. And stick around as I introduce her Grandson Julien Sable Alvarado later in the show. Julien is taking over the business.

Mark Twain once said that age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter. Many over sixty would agree, but what about people younger? Do many view older people like they view products in the grocery store marked past due?

One of my goals this year is to counter ageism by sharing stories like this. Myra has been an entrepreneur for over fifty years; work is still her passion and pleasure. We go back to her early days, the many industry tycoons she had to win over, and the shelves she sought worldwide for her delicious condiments and products to today. There are several life lessons in how to dream, do and build. We also experience a different side of Myra - the matriarch of her family, a fearless feminist, and an advocate for a better Canada.

We then shift to a love story between Grandmother and Grandson when Julien joins the show. Hearing them talk to each other is magical, and you will walk away with remarkable insights into building powerful relationships across generations.

 Grab some Scottie tissues, as you might cry for joy.

Thank you, Myra and Julien, for making my 200th episode memorable.

I then bring on Prashant Patel from RBC's Wealth Management Group. I wanted to know what is involved in a family business when the goal is to pass the torch versus sell.

To learn more about Sable and Rosenfeld. https://sableandrosenfeld.com

To learn more about RBC's My Money Matters: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/en-ca/my-money-matters/

 

 

In front of a live audience at the Convenience Industry Council of Canada's National Summit, I sat down with Jean-François Archambault. JF is a beautiful human being devoting his life to fighting food insecurity.  It is also a powerful love story between Mother and Son and how her ten-year unsuccessful battle with cancer took JF to a crossroads, offering two very different paths. The first was to take away his sadness and darkness by ending his life; the second was to do something with it.

Thankfully for millions of Canadians, JF chose to dream big and do bigger.  Too many Canadians live paycheck-to-paycheck and rely on food banks, social assistance and the generousity of friends and family to survive.  JF dreamed of feeding people versus landfills with the massive amount of food wasted in the hospitality sector.

JF's story is inspiring and remarkable. He leaves his successful career in hospitality to form La Tablée des Chefs, a non-profit organization whose mission can be summed up in two ways. Feed today to fight against food insecurity and educate youth for tomorrow to develop their food autonomy.

What La Tablée des Chefs has done should be studied around the world. In twenty years, they have distributed more than 15 million cooked meals and contributed to the culinary education of more than 50,000 youth by developing their food autonomy through various educational programs.

And what JF teaches all of us is following your heart, understanding the fragility of our time, and dreaming and doing is what inspires change.

I close the show by offering my three takeaways, why being involved in our community matters, and then talking about a hub called My Money Matters that offers financial advice to help navigate the realities of today.

Have Scottie Tissues close at hand and be prepared to cheer for a human who almost said no to his life and is now impacting millions of others.

To find out more about La Tablée des Chefs, click here:  https://www.tableedeschefs.org/en/

My Money Matters.  https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/en-ca/my-money-matters/

Convenience Industry Council of Canada - https://convenienceindustry.ca/

 

I titled this episode of "Chatter That Matters" "Forever Young" and recorded it live at the Toronto Hunt Club. The idyllic setting alone adds a unique backdrop to a conversation that erupts with laughter and spontaneous applause. The man at the center of it is the master storyteller, the iconic Canadian editorial cartoonist and painter Andy Donato.

Andy Donato is not just an artist; he's a force of immense character, and his character is woven into the very fabric of who he is, from his distinctive appearance, with an unbridled shock of hair and a mischievous smile, to how he characterizes pivotal moments in time, to a handshake made with intent and integrity.

Andy shares hilarious stories of his journey, from his early days as a layout artist at Eaton to his pivotal role as Art Director and then as a world-renowned and decorated editorial cartoonist. Over the years, many Canadian Prime Ministers consider being a target of his incisive cartoons as a badge of honour.

Beyond the realm of editorial cartoons, Andy's "Bent Realism" painting style has been featured in one-man exhibitions worldwide. And to this day, Andy in his eighties continues to create a weekly cartoon, paint, and golf, a testament to my title, Forever Young.

Deenah Patel returns to Chatter to Matters to talk about how small business owners can remain Forever Strong.

 

The story begins when Mark Ferrier's father robs a bank, is arrested, and, in his sxites is put in Millhaven Maximum Security Prison to serve a five-year term. For decades, Mark buries this reality and wraps himself in a veneer, masking his insecurities and imposter syndrome with a persona of confidence and swagger.

Mark gets married, raises two beautiful daughters, and is wildly successful as an entrepreneur. His path led him to the Young President's Organization and to Harvard where he earned his Executive MBA at Harvard University. In a moment of sharing with his classmates, Mark reveals the truth about his dad, and instead of encountering shame or judgment, he discovers the magic of humanity.

Mark realizes that wrapped inside his stigma was a gift to understand acceptance and the distinction between mistakes and failure.  

Mark shares many more lessons from his life, unpacks some powerful thoughts on what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, and what he is doing with his latest endeavour &Capital. 

We also discuss what Canada needs to do to compete and stay relevant.

From Mark, you will hear many powerful insights on life and livelihood and overcoming circumstances to free yourself from the past to own your present and pursue your future.

I then invite Deenah Patel, Senior Director of Merchant Experience & Loyalty, to share her insights on successful entrepreneurs' attributes. She talks about how RBC works hard to support owners with intellectual, emotional, and financial Capital.

Time Codes

00:02:30 Mark shares his childhood - white picket fences might have framed the neighbourhood, but what was inside was something very different.

00:04:44 Dad: successful car dealer, struggled emotionally/mentally.

00:08:34 World changes for Mark at age 25, when he learns from his Mom, that his Father has robbed a bank, and is in jail.  
00:13:27 After fighting the charges for years, at age 68, Dad goes into a Maximum Security Prison. prison
00:16:23 Dad finds purpose and joy with his grandchildren but is diagnosed with a brain tumour
00:22:02 Mark - understanding who you are as a son requires understanding your father's story.

00:22:46 Sharing experience, fostering connection and confidence.
00:27:43 @Capital-Mark's latest entrepreneurial business
00:32:02 Attributes for future entrepreneurs: humility, non-traditional structure.
00:34:12 Believe, support, lead, rewrite. The economy needs alignment.
00:37:21 Tony's Takeaways
00:39:23  Mark: "You need a soul to succeed in life."
00:42:35  Deenah. Various ways to help entrepreneurs start businesses.

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. 

 

Step back in time to 1984. It's a pivotal year in the history of Canadian television — it's the year Much Music was born. In this episode of Chatter that Matters, we look at its fascinating journey and Canadian content that competed with the best in the world.

 

Much Music was one of the first Canadian specialty channels; this ground-breaking concept emerged from the vision of two trailblazing individuals, Moses Znaimer and John Martin. Against all odds, with limited resources but boundless creativity, they created a cultural phenomenon that captured Canadians' hearts and took on the mighty MTV.

 

I recorded the show at 299 Queen Street West, where it all came together, and sat down with two of Much Music's iconic VJs, Erica Ehm and Rick Campanelli. Erica takes listeners on a nostalgic journey as she recounts the early days, what it was like to interview legendary figures such as Kurt Cobain, and how what she learned there enabled her to become a successful entrepreneur. Meanwhile, Rick shares his remarkable journey of securing his dream job through a contest and turning that win into his phenomenal broadcasting career.

 

Together, Erica and Rick transport us back to an era when Canadian content reigned supreme, and Much Music was at the forefront of this cultural revolution. Discover the untold stories, challenges, and sheer passion fuelled this channel's meteoric rise. A moment in time that will stand the test of time.

 

Alan Depencier, the CMO of RBC, joins the show and puts on a master class on what it takes to create content that engages your audience in an era of infinite choice and discerning tastes.

 

It is a beautiful story, a proud moment for Canadian creativity, and some outstanding takeaways.

 

Time Codes:

 

00:01.      Tony's opening

00:02:16  Erica and Rick recall their time at Much Music.
00:06:33  Moses Znaimer reinvented media, inspired entrepreneurship, encouraged creativity.
00:08:33 Leaders in the corporate world should embody the flexibility, creativity, and fluidity exhibited by Moses, challenging the traditional thinking of "my way or the highway" embraced by old white men. Erica suggests that Tony should run more businesses or coach individuals, as he has demonstrated the ability to inspire and empower others in the past, much like Moses.
00:12:15 Erica Ehm and Rick Campanelli discuss their favorite interviews and an upcoming interactive tour based on the Documentary 299 Queen Street West.
00:18:25 Rick dreams of being like Erica and Steve, but it seems impossible. Enjoyed watching the interviews and VJ's behavior.
00:21:33 Rick - I wanted to win the contest tied to the movie "The Temp" in 1993.
00:24:10 Rick sits at Erica's desk.  Never again. 
00:28:15 The lesson: Find your own path in life, don't follow others.
00:32:03 Erica on her role with 299 Queen Street West. It was an nteresting experience meeting new and old people for a documentary. Initially skeptical, but became a consulting producer. The finished product exceeded expectations.
00:35:05  Rick flies to Austin to be there for the premier. .
00:37:30 Rick's humility and talent were exceptional, inspiring a lesson for everyone. In a world focused on validation and self-promotion, we should embrace humility. Canadians can produce world-class content, even with limited resources.
00:42:44 Alan Depencier joins the show.  Music is returning after COVID, with live events sponsored by RBCX featuring renowned artists and supporting lesser-known ones. RBCX offers profile, support, and guidance for artists' careers.
00:44:03 Grateful for Alan's presence, future endeavours mentioned.

 

As a father of two wonderful girls, I have always asked - Why aren't more women in power? Only 10 percent of CEOs at Fortune 500 companies are women, and only 27 of the 193 countries in the world are led by women. I believe that if more women were in power, there would be less conquest and a dramatic shift in spending from the military to what matters - healthcare, humanity, education, fiscal responsibility and the health of our planet.

My guest this week is Claire Shipman, a world-renowned Emmy, DuPont and Peabody Award Winning Journalist and co-author of several New York Times bestsellers Katty Kay. Their latest is titled The Power Code. More Joy. Less Ego. Maximum Impact for Women (and Everyone).

Claire shares behind-the-scenes stories from her illustrious career, and then we dive deep into her new book and her ground-breaking insights on gender equality and power in the modern world.
 
You will learn that that power, as it stands today, is inherently flawed. It's not about breaking glass ceilings or climbing corporate ladders; it's about redefining, remaking, and modernizing the very essence of power. 
 
In doing so, we depart from the traditional understanding of power, defined by the men who wield it as a hierarchical force and infers control over and competition with other people, to a new code where power becomes a tool to focus and collaborate and to improve the current conditions of our world dramatically.
 
Erica Nielsen, the EVP of Personal Banking and Investments at RBCjoins the show. We discuss Claire's work, and then Erica shares some personal stories of finding her voice and what RBC is doing to close the gender gap and create a more inclusive culture.

 

00:00:00   Tony shares why this episode on power and gender disparity matters.

00:05:54    Claire talks about her early life.

00:07:07    Struggle with people pleasing, finding own voice.

00:12:21 Women's work and leadership, confidence gap and risk-taking.

00:17:04     Confidence code flows, power code complicated.

00:18:35     Massive shift underway; need more women in power.

00:21:47     Surface power men, women's power behind the scenes.

00:26:43   Valuing essential work, resistance to change.

00:28:30   Men must value time and share responsibilities.

00:34:06   Redefining work for broader values, gender equality.

00:36:32  Writing books is humbling and stressful.

00:40:16 Tony's three takeaways. 

00:43:12  Erica: Societal norms impact behavior in organizations.

00:46:10 Erica: Unconscious bias in coaching and mentoring explained.

Arthur Smith shares excerpts from his book Reach - Hard Lessons and Earned Truths from a Lifetime in Television. Arthur talks about what it was like to work with Gordon Ramsay on Hell's Kitchen (excellent) and to try and convince Donald Trump to be part of a show. (not so excellent). Arthur also talks about his surprise hit American Ninja Warriors and many other behind-the-scenes stories, including Simon Cowell. 

Arthur Smith grew up as a shy kid surrounded by a wonderful family who believed in and supported his dreams. Arthur learned how to reach at a young age and has never stopped climbing—Arthur became a producer at 22, heading up CBC Sports at 28, battling US networks in Olympic showdowns, and then moving to the United States to work with Dick Clark and Fox Studios.

Arthur continues to reach. He went from producer to entrepreneur when he founded A. Smith & Co. He has produced over 200 television shows for over 50 countries. 

Today, with his Reach Foundation, Arthur Smith is as passionate about inspiring the youth to reach as he is entertaining the public. Tune in to applaud an incredible career while learning powerful lessons on how to reach for all you want.

To purchase Arthur Smith's book Reach: https://www.amazon.com/Reach-Lessons-Learned-Lifetime-Television/dp/B0B5RWKWZ5

 

I loved talking with Deepa Mehta. I could have listened to her for hours, and I wish she could be my friend for life. Deepa is a citizen of the world, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker whose work is celebrated internationally and has played at every major film festival. Deepa has worked with George Lucas, yet often has turned down Hollywood to create emotionally resonating, award-winning cinema that matters to her and you and me. 

Born in India and an immigrant to Canada, Deepa is a visionary storyteller, and her fearless journey has taken audiences to places they could never have imagined. She challenges conventions, breaks barriers and sparks conversations with a rare authenticity that lingers long after the credits roll. Her work at times has been so provocative that her life has been threatened, and her film sets destroyed by those who fear the truth. 

Deepa shares her journey and talks about her latest documentary, I Am Sirat. This groundbreaking work was shot entirely on smartphones. This film tells the story of Sirat Taneja, a transgender woman who must act as her mother's son when at home in New Delhi but can be the woman she is with her friends and work. It is the story of duality and belonging – two themes that weave through Deepa's films and lead us to question our place on this earth. Do we belong?

I Am Sirat is premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and is one of the eleven films competing for the Best Film Award at the London Film Festival. 

I then invite Lexi Marton, Director of Brand Marketing at RBC, to share what RBC is doing during their 15th year as a major sponsor of TIFF and what RBC is doing to help emerging filmmakers create and find the audience their content deserves.

 

 

What if your health and even life was a matter of choice, not chance?

Yuri Elkaim dreamed of a pro soccer career until his health deteriorated. Chronic fatigue and hair loss, followed by a seven-year search for answers, forced Yuri to make his health a matter of choice, not chance.

As a teenager, Yuri Elkaim fixated his gaze and even touched on a professional soccer career due to his tireless work ethic and athletic ability. But health's betrayal shifted his focus. Chronic fatigue, pain and sudden and total hair loss in high school made his dream a nightmare. Yuri searched for answers only to find a medical community willing to guess and prescribe. 

Yuri decided to make his health a matter of choice, not chance. In this episode of Chatter that Matters, Yuri unfurls his odyssey to reclaim his vitality while igniting a vocation to help others improve their health and grow their businesses.

Today, Yuri is a New York Times bestselling author, a guest on television shows like Doctor Oz, and an entrepreneur who has built two seven-figure businesses including Healthpreneur.  A professed optimist, Yuri continues to invest in himself, rallying others to follow suit.

This is a master class and Yuri's energy is contagious. You will learn many important lessons on how to make your health and destiny, your life and your livelihood, a matter of choice, not chance.   

Andrejka Massicotte, Senior Director of RBC Group Insurance, returns to the show. I asked her what they are doing to innovate, including personalizing their offering, encouraging their clients to invest in prevention, and helping those with chronic illnesses live their lives to their fullest.

To reach Yuri:

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/healthpreneur/ 

Website:     https://healthpreneurgroup.com/

All of Yuri's books can be purchased from Amazon. 

This week on Chatter that Matters, Sheri Segal Glick talks about her memoir: 'The Skinny: My Messy, hopeful fight for full recovery from anorexia."

Sheri's journey unfolds with unflinching honesty as she unmasks the hidden truth of eating disorders. Sheri takes us to the depths of her addiction, what she did to game the system, her lonely and even life-threatening hospital stays, her obsessive workouts, and most importantly, how she battled for decades but eventually found her way to defeat her disease.
 
Sheri explores the dangers of chasing false beauty stereotypes when appearances define identities and the corrosive impact of casual body remarks that Sheri feels manifest into 'death by a thousand cuts.' What I found a great lesson learned is that positive and negative comments can have the same damaging impact.
 
The interview isn't dark; if anything, it is surprisingly uplifting due to Sheri's sense of humour and her desire to eradicate the shame surrounding eating disorders and create a future where youth embrace their bodies with unwavering confidence.
 
Amy Deacon, the CEO of Toronto Wellness Counselling, joins the show to offer her perspective and strategies for battling eating disorders.

 

To purchase Sheri's book 'The Skinny'.  https://www.amazon.ca/Skinny-messy-hopeful-recovery-anorexia/dp/1738670244

 

  A 120-foot fall free-climbing almost cost Dov his life but freed him to pursue his calling.

The search for meaning has been an obsession of Dov Baron from his earliest days. He was born in Northern England in abject poverty, surrounded by crime, violence, and addiction, and knew there must be more to life than suffering and abuse. Dov left his destructive environment to travel and study with some of the world's leading thinkers. He then parlayed his learning into founding and building companies on three continents.

Adrenaline seeking was Dov's addiction. While free climbing a mountain in British Columbia in 1990, he fell from the rock face at approximately 120 feet high and broke dozens of bones, including every bone in his face. Ten reconstructive surgeries followed, including two instances when he was brought back from the dead. This experience and when he ventured into the dragon's lair, his metaphor for his darkest days and how facing his demons changed his life.

Today, Dov Baron is a best-selling author, the founder and CEO of Dov Baron International. He is a preeminent expert in helping leaders create life-and-work meaning. His models and strategies of the Emotional Source Code and the Anatomy of Meaning are used by leaders in business and government worldwide. 

 Dov Baron has been named a Top 30 Global Leadership Guru five times and an Inc. Magazine Top Leadership Speaker twice. 

On Chatter that Matters, Dov shares his thoughts on fighting your demons, finding your purpose and meaning, binding yourself to curiosity, and cultivating culture and community.

I asked Dov what three would do if he ran our country—without missing a heartbeat, Dov shared his ideas on Education, Homelessness and Community.

 Powerful life lessons await!

 To connect with Dov:  http://DovBaron.com

The Many Lives of Mama Love. A memoir of lying, stealing, writing and healing.

This story will become a blockbuster movie or a must-watch Netflix series.  My guest today is NY Times Best Selling author Lara Love Hardin, and her book The Many Lives of Mamma Love is her story.  From the worst beginnings, and then addiction, and then theft and jail, is someone who ends up breaking bread with Oprah, meditating with the Dalai Lama, writing Desmond Tutu's book, and becoming a successful CEO.

Picture a million-dollar home in a quiet cul-de-sac, the last place you'd expect to find a gripping tale of deception, addiction, and redemption. Yet, within these walls, Lara Love Hardin concealed a shadowy secret, funding her drug addiction through an intricate web of stolen credit cards from unsuspecting neighbours.

Lara's harrowing descent into addiction led her to a place no one could have predicted – behind bars and estranged from her children—where she became inmate S32179. Inside the concrete confines of the jail, a peculiar power structure emerges, a curious blend of adolescent sleepover dynamics and the raw brutality depicted in Lord of the Flies.

Upon her release, Lara's journey of reinvention takes an unexpected turn as she fights bureaucracy to reclaim her children while embarking on a remarkable journey that brings her face-to-face and pen to paper with some of the most influential people on the planet. Yet, the shadow of her past persists, a constant reminder that redemption is a battle against shame.

Amy Deacon, the founder and CEO of Toronto Wellness Counselling, returns to Chatter that Matters to discuss the difficult road back for addicts.

To buy Lara Love Hardin's book - The Many Lives of Mama Love:  https://www.amazon.com/Many-Lives-Mama-Love-Stealing/dp/B0BWSD2CG4

To connect with Amy Deacon:  https://www.torontowellnesscounselling.com/

Biologist Dr. Manrique Prada and thought leader John Stackhouse joined me this week in an episode I titled two conversations with Mother Nature. Dr. Manrique Prada, a Ph.D. in biological science, stands as one of South America's most esteemed environmentalists. In his new book Voices of Mother Earth, Manrique shares his experiences living among the Xavante people—an indigenous tribe who lives off the land and in harmony with Mother Nature. Manrique imparts their wisdom of attentively listening to the forest, making decisions guided by dreams, and being part of the ecosystem versus trying to control it. The Xavante considers most humans as termites who destroy everything in their path.

Dr. Prada's teachings hold valuable life lessons for preserving our planet. He sees little promise for celebrities and politicians who talk without the walk and so much hope if we create this conversation with nature from the ground up.

John Stackhouse, formerly the Editor in Chief of Canada's national newspaper, the Globe and Mail, is now a Senior VP at RBC inside the office of the President. As the leader of RBC's Climate Action Institute, John's conversation is clear; we must move beyond rhetoric to action. He points to the power of business and markets to drive change, an extraordinary green revolution happening in the United States and why Canadians can and must keep pace with speed and scale.

Two powerful and thought-provoking conversations on what we can do individually and collectively for our planet.

 

To buy Manrique Prada's book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDJZDKB3

To find out more about the RBC Climate Action Institute: https://www.rbc.com/climate-action-institute/

 

To listen to John Stackhouse's Disruptors Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/disruptors/id1332711400

 

 

 

Peter Weissman. A journey marked by trauma, resilience, advocacy and two brothers.  Two weeks ago, I shared the story of Eric Weissman who battled addiction to become an advocate for people experiencing homelessness. Today we celebrate his brother's inspiring journey.

Peter Weissman's life turned upside down at four when his Mom left home to pursue her dream of becoming an artist, something she succeeded at. Peter's description of what he saw when his Mom died is so powerful.

Peter's Russian immigrant dad went from a successful business to poverty and thought corporal punishment was how to keep his family in line. Peter quickly learned resilience, something he would need throughout his life.

Peter worked his way through high school and university. His heart was set on photography, but security pointed him to accounting. After graduating, Peter achieved financial security until life took two more turns and tore away his stability. At 30, and two years of marriage, a potentially paralyzing spinal cord injury and ensuing surgery masked the onset of MS at the same time. His MS went undiagnosed for six years (and two children), costing him an early treatment that may have reduced the impact of MS on his life. 

Everything leading up to this gave Peter the anger and drive to refuse to be a victim. 

Peter chose possibility over impossibility. Peter is a loving husband and father, an Advanced Open Water Certified Scuba Diver, a brilliant nature photographer, a wheelchair athlete and one of Canada's most respected tax accountants.  He credits his family and our healthcare system to allow him to chase all of these dreams.

Peter's advocacy for accessibility and improved tax systems for people with disabilities mirrors Eric's advocacy for people without housing. It proves that from trauma can come triumph and that these tales of two brothers make our world a better place.

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: https://www.roomwomen.com

Would you remain optimistic if the cards of life are rarely dealt in your favour?

This week's inspiring guest is Lindsay Ireland, who spent idyllic childhood summers in Vermont, riding horses, playing detective with her cousin, and living with her famous aunt and uncle, Jill Ireland and Charles Bronson, the action star of his day.

Lindsay's world changed at age eleven when she noticed blood in her stool. At first, hiding it from her parents, things got worse, and she found herself confined to a sterile hospital room, feeling invisible, with severe ulcerative colitis. Lindsay had to undergo life-saving ostomy surgery. She had five more surgeries, including a final operation in her late 20s that made the ostomy permanent. Then, in her early 30's, she was diagnosed with a second autoimmune disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and then years later, with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.

Some people appear baffled when Lindsay Ireland says she is lucky. What I learned is that she has never seen herself as a victim. 

In this candid interview, Lindsay shares her transformation from a girl grappling with autoimmune diseases to a resilient young woman. Lindsay courageously confronts the challenge of loving a body that has repeatedly let her down. Despite the invisible nature of her illnesses, Lindsay perseveres, fighting to make herself seen and understood as a mother and wife. 

Take advantage of this heartfelt episode as Lindsay's story unfolds, reminding us of the power of resilience and the importance of having people who love you being part of your quest.

Amy Deacon, the founder and CEO of Toronto Wellness Counselling, once again joins the show to offer her brilliant insights into how we overcome circumstances to chase dreams and change our world and others for the better.

To read Lindsay's blog or to buy her book: Why Me? click here: https://www.lindsayireland.com

And another demonstration of how special Lindsay Ireland is - all proceeds from her book are going to the MS Society of Canada and Ostomy Canada. 

 

Let me introduce my guest and his powerful story about transformation and triumph.

Eric Weissman was a child living in a home marked by turbulence, trauma and aggression. Eric developed an insatiable appetite for consuming and selling drugs until addiction consumed him. He spent six years living nomadically and even on the street. Few break this cycle.

He didn't just break it; Eric Weissman, PH.D.he is working to end this cycle. He is one of our country's advocates for change. An Associate Professor at the University of New Brunswick, the Research Lead for the Post Secondary Research Network, and a Board Member at the Centre for Criminal Justice Studies.  Eric is an advocate offering practical ideas for providing urgent needs to low-barrier housing. 

And at the end of the interview let me introduce you to an idea.

I have no empirical evidence, but I am seeing many more homeless people, reading about the growing number of Canadians living paycheck to paycheck and the growing opioid crisis. And I feel anxious about random crimes by desperate people, happening in once-safe neighbourhoods.

This upward trend can't continue. I would begin by tackling homelessness.

At the end of the episode, I share an idea my wife and I had to tackle this problem. I might be biased, but it also might be a big idea.  It isn't a hand-out; it involves a hand-up. Here is the problem, it is discriminatory. We want to identify the top 5% of people who live on the street with the most capability and desire to get off the street. We don't care about gender, ethnicity, religion, disability or sexuality; we care about finding the individuals who aren't addicted and willing to work hard and, in return, get access to shelter, food and, most importantly, opportunity.  

Why the top 5%?

We want early success, ambassadors and role models. The best counsellors in the world are people who have lived with the problems their patients are facing. Let the best of the best go back to the streets and recruit the next group of people.  Anyone with the same work ethic and desire, addicted or not, we will invite them next.   Give it a listen, let me know what you think.

 

Kevin Newman: Learning how and where his son sought the truth was harder than finding the truth. Alex Newman:  Finding answers in chat rooms versus the family room (felt safer). Until he came out to his family.

 

This is one of my favourite interviews of all time. It brought back memories of my relationship with my father, which I describe in the opening. As I introduce my two guests, you will instantly know the voice of Kevin Newman, one of North America's most acclaimed journalists, but instead of anchoring the news, he opens up about a period in his life when he learned that his son was gay.

 

What makes this so special is that Kevin and his son Alex each talk about their journey of discovery and transformation that led to their ground-breaking memoir, "All Out A Father and Son Confront the Hard Truths That Made Them Better Men."

 

Alex candidly reveals his path to self-realization, recounting the struggle of finding understanding within the anonymous confines of online chat rooms rather than within the familiar walls of his own home. His courageous account of coming out to his family resonates deeply, highlighting the challenges of finding one's identity within society's biased norms.

 

Meanwhile, Kevin, an esteemed Emmy and Gemini award-winning journalist shares a parallel narrative of his own. As he embarks on a new chapter in his career at Good Morning America, he grapples with a U.S. broadcast culture intent on reshaping his identity.

 

Alex and Kevin write a book for themselves and others. Each writes their part in solitude. The moment of truth is when father and son exchange their completed manuscripts and read each other's interpretations of who they are and why each and they matter.

 

I think every parent and child will feel their words and celebrate their love and admiration for each other.

Kevin Purkiss, VP of Fraud Management, joins the show to talk about his experiences with his son coming out, why diversity and inclusion matter, and how fraud artists target the LGBTQ+ community.

 To buy Kevin and Alex's book: All Out:  

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/all-out-a-father-and/9780345813886-item.html?ikwid=all+out+kevin+and+alex+newman&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0#algoliaQueryId=97eecb9ad27862bd4351f292661ed41a

 

In 1967 Canada was the world's ninth largest economy; today, it is seventeenth. Regarding income per person, we've fallen from third to fifteenth. What kind of Canada are we leaving our children? How do we avoid falling further behind?    Join us for a special Canada Day podcast recorded at the prestigious Toronto Hunt Club. I interviewed three authors who wrote "Everybody's Business: How to Ensure Canadian Prosperity Through the Twenty-First Century."  

You will hear from the charismatic Dany Assaf, co-chair of the competition and foreign investment group at Torys LLP, the brilliant Walid Hejazi, a renowned professor of international business at the prestigious Rotman School of Management and visionary Joe Manget, Chair and CEO of the esteemed EHN Canada.

We explore the declining living standards in Canada and the growing belief that the next generation will face even more significant challenges.   We then look at their strategies for reversing this trajectory. It can be done if we all make it... Everybody's Business.     To purchase Everybody's Business: https://www.amazon.ca/Everybodys-Business-Canadian-Prosperity-Twenty-First/dp/1990823076/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2Q1GW6MQ7KD5V&keywords=everybody%27s+business+%2B+book&qid=1688132181&sprefix=everybodys+business+%2B+book%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-1

Nicole Bourque-Bouchier's journey from humble beginnings to RBC's 2022 Women of Influence - CEO Excellence Award Winner. Hailing from a lineage of trappers, Nicole Bourque-Bouchier claims her indigenous and entrepreneurial roots to be a role model to her family and community while building Bouchier into one of the largest indigenous-owned companies with revenues of $150 million, 1000 employees and 400 heavy equipment vehicles.

Nicole intimately shares her family's transformative journey from the trapline to Fort McMurray—her parent's quest for a better, more stable life. She delves into the tragic loss of her younger sister to suicide, an event that indelibly shaped Nicole's trajectory, altering her thoughts, career path, and personal growth.

Nicole offers so much in this podcast, including her dad's lesson that everyone matters, how to go after your dreams, and why she stopped trying to fit in a man's world and instead focused on the vision, values and principles that matter most to her.  

 

Being a father was the most magical thing in Garry Junkuhn's life. He could never have imagined that he would lose contact with his two sons for over three years when his girlfriend moved in with him. His pain was akin to four wild horses tearing him apart. Garry's life unravelled further when he learned from a school email that his older son had changed his last name to his mother's surname.

However, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. A mentor stepped into Garry's life, urging him to discover the hidden gift within his adversity. And just when he needed it most, a chance encounter with a spiritual leader breathed new life into his shattered spirit, reigniting Garry's trust in himself. It was an arduous multi-year journey,but Garry's unwavering determination led him to reconnect with his sons and embark on a mission to help other fathers find their way back to their children.

Prepare yourself for a riveting narrative that not only unveils Garry's raw and deeply personal story but also imparts invaluable lessons on how to transform a life and forge meaningful connections with the ones who matter most. It is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the power of unconditional love. Moreover, Garry's profound experience catalyzed the birth of 100K Fathers, an organization dedicated to equipping 100,000 fathers with the guidance and tools they need to reunite with their children.

 

To learn more about the incredible work of 100KFathers, visit their website at https://www.100k-fathers.com/.

 

Can pressure be your superpower?  Can it be the wind at your back instead of a suffocating weight on your shoulders? My guest today is Dane Jensen, the CEO of Third Factor, an acclaimed speaker, an instructor at Queen's University and the University of North Carolina, a regular contributor to the Harvard Business Review and author of The Power of Pressure.  

Dane has an incredible way with words, and he talks about what he learned about pressure from discussions with Olympic athletes, Navy Seals, overworked managers, and busy parents. Dane shares the physiological responses to pressure, how it's an essential input into high performance, and how you can use this emotionally charged state to your advantage by knowing the patterns. 

Learn about Dane's pressure equation - importance, uncertainty, and volume and how it can add up to your advantage the next time you are under pressure to land a job, deliver a presentation, parent your child through a challenging situation or have to win a skin with a three-foot putt. 

Lisa Melo, VP of Learning and Performance at RBC, then joins the show to talk about why skills are the new currency, why training must be put within arm's reach of desire, and how gamification, AR and VR are creating new growth opportunities.

 

To learn more about Dane Jensen and to buy his book: https://www.thirdfactor.com/team/dane-jensen/

Imagine this. Your name is Steph Catudal. You are a young teenager, and you adore your Dad. He can do one-arm pushups and entertain a crowd, and when you have a terrible asthma attack, he calms you down.

One day you hear the first of many horrible coughs and soon learn he is dying of lung cancer. His death tears at your soul, and you become rebellious and angry; try to escape with substances and replace your father with a relationship with an older man.

Years later, you meet the love of your life, Tommy Rivs Puzey, an Ultramarathoner with a beautiful heart. You find happiness, marry, and have three children. Life couldn't get better, yet one night, lying in bed, you hear that cancer cough again, this time from your husband's lungs.

This episode of Chatter That Matters is powerful. It's a beautiful story that shows how the power of love, the will of an Ultramarathoner, and how healthcare at its best can heal.

I invite Carol Lebert, Director of Support Services, Life and Health Claims, at RBC Life Insurance Company. Carol brings such context by drawing on her experience as a nurse, and she talks about the power of healing through positivity. We also discuss the mental health trauma many in the healthcare sector incur. 

 

To purchase Steph Catudal's book Everything all at Once - https://www.amazon.com/Everything-All-at-Once-Memoir/dp/0063253135/ref=sr_1_2?crid=SAX1JYKCANT8&keywords=everything+all+at+once+%2B+catudal&qid=1685563386&s=books&sprefix=everything+all+at+once+catadul%2Cstripbooks%2C8796&sr=1-2

I first heard Shabana Basij-Rasikh share her moving story on 60 Minutes, and I knew I had to have her on Chatter that Matters. You will soon hear why National Geographic named her their Explorer of the Year. Shabana calls herself an ordinary Afghan woman, but I see her as a hero of immense courage and fortitude and one of the many brave women defying the tyrannical rule of the Taliban.

What we take for granted, Shabana and others risked their lives for. At age 6, defying the Taliban's desire to commoditize women, Shabana disguised herself as a boy to attend secret schools with her sister. They faced constant threats, the risk of acid being thrown at them. Their teachers could be beheaded.

After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, Shabana seized the chance to freely study in her home country and then the US. While studying overseas, Shabana co-founded SOLA, an all-girls boarding school in Afghanistan.

In 2021, as the Americans withdrew, violence escalated, and the Taliban quickly seized power. Shabana had hours not weeks to move her school. She burned records and led a dangerous evacuation of 256 girls, families, and faculty to Rwanda, the only country that would accept them. 

Shabana's story exemplifies the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit.

Shabana's story will move you, and if you have children in school, the content is not only safe but worth it for you to listen to it together.

Amanda J. Devison, Manager at RBC's Commercial Banking Advisors, joins the show to share her journey of being raised by a single mother with a biracial background and how her context and passion led her to organize the BPW Canada delegation to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women Conference.

 

SOLA - School of Leadership Afghanistan - https://www.sola-afghanistan.org

 

 Wendy Murphy lost the use of her legs in a car accident. What she found was her life's calling.

Prepare to be inspired by the remarkable story of Wendy Murphy, who transformed personal tragedy into triumph and used positivity for the benefit of society. Powerful lessons for all await.

Wendy takes us on a heartfelt journey through her life, which began as someone who approached life three steps at a time. In 1984, at seventeen, her life changed instantly due to a tragic car accident. Wendy lost her best friend, and she became an incomplete paraplegic.

Wendy had to overcome survivor guilt and deal with the realities of life in a wheelchair, the lack of accessibility and the stigma of being physically challenged.

Determined to make a difference for her community and to demonstrate possibilities, Wendy chose a career in front of the camera. She became a successful model, journalist, and actor.

Wendy wrote a powerful memoir—Wendy Murphy's Law. Whatever can Go Wrong Can Be Made Right.

Joel Dembe, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, RBC, Paralympian and Motivational Speaker, returns to Chatter that Matters. I asked Joel about his extraordinary athletic career and why his desire to be seen competing was vital as it changed the narrative from disability to ability.   

To buy Wendy Murphy's book:  https://www.amazon.com/Wendy-Murphys-Law-Whatever-Wrong/dp/1771803460

"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

In honour of Mother's Day, I'd like to share the inspiring story of Dr. Suzanne Vickberg. Despite divorcing her husband twelve years ago, she still lives with him, their children, and his new wife - not as a 'Jerry Springer' spectacle, but as a testament to the idea that divorce doesn't have to be devastating and that family comes first.

For Dr. Vickberg, her divorce wasn't a failure but an opportunity to find a new way forward. She refused to limit herself to the binary choice of staying or leaving and instead moved into the guest room, which ultimately allowed her family to remain intact.

This is a story of a mother's love and sacrifice for her family and how it can lead to unexpected and beautiful outcomes.

To further explore the theme that with change comes choice, I spoke with Simika Kabir, Director of Commercial Financial Services Strategy for Women in Business, Black Entrepreneurs, and Business Owner Planning. She shared valuable insights on reclaiming your dreams and finding a new path after sudden upheavals. Simika's advice is empowering and uplifting and serves as a reminder that it's never too late to start anew.

 

To purchase Divorce by Design. https://www.amazon.com/Divorce-Design-Staying-Leaving-Options/dp/B0BN4SYNJT

 

 

 

This an extraordinary success story with so much added value if you are involved with Brands, Marketing, Media, an Entrepreneur, and even a Parent or Consumer. 

Joe Gagliese, the co-founder and CEO of a digital and social innovation agency, Viral Nation, is one of the most impressive entrepreneurs I have ever talked with. Joe is innovative, insightful, informative, and inspiring. In seven years, his agency has become a global disruptor in the marketing world. Viral Nation has raised $250 million from three of the most astute tech investors in the world, John Ruffolo from Maverix Private Equity and Todd Boehly and Jeff Wilbur from Elridge Principal.

The timing for this episode couldn't be better, given the events surrounding Bud Light and its influencer campaign with Dylan Mulvaney and the widespread backlash from anti-transgender voices.

Joe Gagliese discusses how influencer marketing influences how we think, feel, and buy while also talking about his seven-year rocket ride. At 24, when Joe started Viral Nation, he was laughed out of boardrooms for his approach. Today Viral Nation works directly with the world's biggest brands. Joe talks about Marketing by Numbers and how their proprietary and patented technology allows Viral Nation to shatter the status quo by combining the power of personality, backed with precise data that measures success while mitigating risk.

Joe Gagliese, a Canadian entrepreneur on a global mission to shift marketing from 'mass to my.'

Don Ludlow, Vice President of Small Business, Business Financial Services Strategy at RBC, joins the show to talk about the importance of innovative entrepreneurs like Joe Gagliese to power our economy in the future. Don talks about why it takes several partners to support this vital sector today and why leading by example matters most.

                                                'My Mom was at home when I left.'

I have two asks. The first is that you stay with this interview as it unfolds. There are so many layers, and out of the ashes rises a remarkable human spirit.

My second is that as you listen, imagine you are my guest, Shelly Edwards Jorgensen. You are the child driving up to your family home after a high school basketball practice, and you see it being consumed by fire.

And at that moment, you know that your mom is dead, inside the home, and not by fire but by the hands of your father. 

This is a human journey no one would ask for or want. Shelly Edwards had a horrific childhood, compounded by her mother being murdered by her father. Shelly's testimony puts her Dad away for seventeen years. He dies there before his sentence is complete.

Shelly finds a way to overcome her childhood trauma, the murder of her mom, and the emotional rollercoaster of testifying against her father. She shares how she finds peace and, within it, her calling.   

In doing so, she even forgives her Father.  

Would you?

A story of tragedy to triumph and pain to perseverance, with powerful insights on how to move forward.

To buy Shelly Edwards Jorgensen's book: https://www.amazon.ca/Beautiful-Ashes-Murder-Betrayal-Womans/dp/B09K4RSQZ1