In 2016, the Huffington Post named Nova Scotia’s Tyler Simmonds one of the “10 inspirational people under 30 you should be following on Twitter.”

An artist and advocate, he is using his voice and talents to create a safe space to discuss mental illness, he encourages vulnerability and how that can be a source of healing and power.

His message is resonating.

His first short film, In My Mind is award-winning. In 2019 he was awarded the JRG Society for the Arts Award to develop his documentary There’s Soul in Our Soil—exploring the link between mental health with systematic and environmental racism in the African Nova Scotian community.

Highlights:

-The lowest point in his life made him realize that his disabilities are his “superpowers”.

-“Just because you have mental illness doesn’t mean that you can’t live the life that you want.”

-Find out what he had to say in the wake of the murder of George Floyd.

-Tune in to find out why he said “meditation is like a cheat code to life.”

-“My community (North Preston) is home. It’s beautiful.”

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Host: Tanya Chedrawy tanyamedia.com 

Guest: Tyler Simmonds https://www.tylersimmonds.com/

Recorded through the facilities of Podcast Atlantic

Sound Recording and Editing by Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic

Follow us on Twitter: @TanyaChedrawy

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyachedrawy/

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I have so much respect for Lisa Drader-Murphy not just as an international fashion designer but also as a savvy businesswoman with an inspiring work ethic. Tune in to this episode of Beyond Our Borders to find out how she has pivoted during our global crisis. We cover everything from when she first started to much needed hair cuts!

Highlights:

- “Part of being a successful entrepreneur is that you’re always learning from mistakes.”

- A supply of high-end vintage wool she stumbled upon in an employer’s warehouse set in motion what would become a fashion empire.

- Her company is completely vertical and is why she and her team were able to act fast once we were hit with lock down. In fact, it took 24 HOURS to reconfigure their production line.

- Did you know that Lisa and her fashion company are taught in universities for exploring sustainability (long) before it was the trend to do so?

- Find out how she handled getting criticism for making masks.

- Listen to find out her advice to budding fashion designers and why this advice has never changed.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Host: Tanya Chedrawy tanyamedia.com 

Guest: Lisa Drader-Murphy  https://lisadradermurphy.com/

Recorded through the facilities of Podcast Atlantic

Sound Recording and Editing by Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic

Follow us on Twitter: @TanyaChedrawy

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyachedrawy/

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I couldn’t stop giggling in this interview! One of my absolute favorite conversations with the very funny and talented comedian Trent McClellan.

One of the stars of CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes, not only is he funny he is also incredibly gracious, kind and down-to-earth. Trent talked about his early days and how he had to “develop a sense of resilience”—if you are an artist or creative his words will resonate.

Highlights:

* Trent was a writer for 22 Mins before becoming a cast member.

* Tune in to find out his response to my questions—“why are Newfoundlanders so so funny” and “if there’s anything in the water up there”!

* “We get to make people laugh for a living. It’s a privilege.”

* “Art of good conversation was going by the wayside” is part of what inspired his podcast, the Generators.

* Find out what prompted him to state, “There’s no crying on a yacht!”

Thank you Trent! J

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Host: Tanya Chedrawy tanyamedia.com 

Guest: Trent McClellan https://trentscomedy.com/

Recorded through the facilities of Podcast Atlantic

Sound Recording and Editing by Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic

Follow us on Twitter: @TanyaChedrawy

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyachedrawy/

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About 25 years ago, the injury, rehabilitation and release of an injured robin set in motion what would eventually become a beloved global television series and—one woman’s mission to reconnect humans to their natural world.

I’m talking about the inimitable Hope Swinimer and the critters in the global television series Hope for Wildlife that have captured our hearts. Currently in it’s 10th season, the series documents the rehabilitation and release of thousands of injured or orphaned wild animals.

A charitable organization, they are conducting their first-ever online 50/50 fundraiser. Today (May 6th) is the last day to participate and the winner takes home half of the funds raised! You can purchase tickets here: hoperaffle.ca. The winner will be announced May 9th. Currently the jackpot is $99,540!

This is the second time I interview Hope and it’s truly an honor that she is able to carve out the time as she receives hundreds of emails a day and her rehabilitation and education centre runs seven days a week. Much gratitude to you Hope.

Tune into the full interview by clicking on the link below.

Here are some highlights:

 Hope is a trailblazer in wildlife rehabilitation and is responsible for the first ever permit in Nova Scotia.

 Did you know that you can live anywhere in Nova Scotia and still volunteer for Hope for Wildlife?

 In 2019, Hope was recognized for her lifelong dedication with an Honorary Degree from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, NS.

 “Keep trying and never give up!” is a quote she lives by.

 Even as a shy child Hope had a “…very deep connection to the natural world.”

 Tune in to find out how they are operating during COVID-19.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Host: Tanya Chedrawy tanyamedia.com 

Guest: Hope Swinimer https://www.hopeforwildlife.net/

Recorded through the facilities of Podcast Atlantic

Sound Recording and Editing by Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic

Follow us on Twitter: @TanyaChedrawy

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyachedrawy/

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She is the first female gymnast from Nova Scotia to go to the Olympics. She’s been described as a “superstar in the world of gymnastics,” and “Canada’s top gymnast.”

Of course I am talking about Ellie Black.

After the 2016 Olympics in Rio she ranked 5th in the world and became the most decorated Canadian female gymnast after the 2019 Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru.

Then she seriously injured her ankle.

I sat down with her (virtually) and had an inspiring conversation. She is a strong and powerful athlete physically-that is obvious but what struck me most is how mentally tough and confident she is.

Like all of us she is adapting to the new COVID-19 reality but it hasn’t stopped her training, it’s altered it. She is also still recovering from ankle surgery. She was set to compete at the 2020 summer Olympic Games in Tokyo but that’s been postponed. None of this has shaken her resolve and her ability to adapt, stay focused and recognize the positives will inspire you.

Thank you Ellie. Here’s to Olympic gold in 2021!

Golden nuggets:

She says that passion for what you do is the number one attribute you need to possess in order to achieve your dreams.

Tune in to find out what accomplishment Ellie is most proud of, it’s probably not what you think.

“The end result you can’t control. Focus on the steps to get you to the end result.”

Yup, even elite athletes will indulge in junk food occasionally. Good to know they’re human too!

Find out how COVID-19 has impacted athletes and their training and how they’re getting around it.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Host: Tanya Chedrawy tanyamedia.com 

Guest: Ellie Black - Canadian Olympic Gymnast http://www.gymcan.org/disciplines/womens-artistic-gymnastics/national-teams/ellie-black

Recorded through the facilities of Podcast Atlantic

Sound Recording and Editing by Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic

Follow us on Twitter: @TanyaChedrawy

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyachedrawy/

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Email us at: [email protected]

Listen up! Have you ever thought about starting a podcast? Do you already have one? Or, do you just like listening them? My guests in this episode of Beyond Our Borders are the funny and dynamic Rhy Waters and Jonathan Burns. Digital serendipity brought them together and they have joined forces to take the podcasting world by storm. Podstarter is their podcast—about podcasts. They can also help you in any stage of podcasting (podstarter.io).

They are content kings. Their combined work has been seen or heard by millions of people around the world. Rhys is a BAFTA award-winner who’s worked with the BBC and other global brands such as NBC Universal and Aston Martin. Jonathon has worked with Lego, Disney and the NBA.

For them, it’s so much more than setting up your podcast. They help you to develop your marketing strategy in order to reach and build your audience.

I absolutely loved this conversation. You will too. (and you don’t have to be a content producer or podcasting nerd like us! )

Golden Nuggets:

- Tune in to find out what comprises a successful podcast. You might be surprised by their answers.

- Passion and authenticity are fundamentally important to podcasting.

- Listen to find out why Rhys calls podcasting “a secret weapon.”

- Good content doesn’t necessarily mean you will find an audience.

- You have to market in a saturated space or you won’t be found.

- Even if you have 5,000 downloads an episode doesn’t mean you can quit your day job. Find out more about the road to monetization.

- Finding an audience is a “partnership between a good marketing exercise and good content.” –Jonathan Burns

- Leverage your “micro-content” to lead people to your podcast.

- So much more.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Host: Tanya Chedrawy tanyamedia.com 

Guest: Rhy Waters and Jonathan Burns - Podstarter

Recorded through the facilities of Podcast Atlantic

Sound Recording and Editing by Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic

Follow us on Twitter: @TanyaChedrawy

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyachedrawy/

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What are you most grateful for? That is the question that award-winning journalist and author Janice Landry poses in her latest book, Silver Linings: Stories of Gratitude, Resiliency and Growth through Adversity. 15 inspiring Canadians across five provinces tell their personal stories of gratitude through tragedy, pain, loss, and trauma.

Two highly distinguished guests from the United States including the leading world expert on the study of gratitude also answer this question.

All of their answers will surprise and inspire you.

I’ve long admired Janice for her impassioned reporting as a television journalist and her advocacy work on behalf of our first responders. I am grateful for this conversation. Janice is gracious, talented, insightful and so very positive and supportive. Thank you Janice. 🙏🏼

At the end of the interview you will be asking yourself, “What am I grateful for?”

Golden Nuggets from Interview:

•One of Janice’s beloved mentors once asked her two rhetorical questions: “What are you afraid of?“ and “What are you waiting for?” She realized she had to face her fears and she did. She’s now published 5 books.

•No matter what age you are “you have value in society and you can add to it and help other people.”

•”When you’re a creative person...putting yourself out there is absolutely terrifying.”

•Find out why her late father, veteran Halifax fire fighter Basil “Baz” Landry is a true Canadian hero. ❤️

•She lost her beloved mother Theresa Landry while writing Silver Linings, her inspiration for the book. Through this incredible loss she still found gifts of gratitude.

•For budding writers she advises that “it’s okay to have fear but don’t let that stop you.”

•Tune in for so much more.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Host: Tanya Chedrawy tanyamedia.com 

Guest: Janice Landry  https://www.janicelandry.ca/

Recorded through the facilities of Podcast Atlantic

Sound Recording and Editing by Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic

Follow us on Twitter: @TanyaChedrawy

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyachedrawy/

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Email us at: [email protected]

I first met film and television producer, Karen Wentzell when she spoke on a Women in Film & Television (WIFT-Atlantic) panel. I was struck by her poise, insight and generosity in sharing her knowledge. She is behind such critically acclaimed hits as the comedy series Seed, the history-making CBC series Diggstown and of course the show that changed the landscape of Canadian television-Trailer Park Boys.

Golden Nuggets:

•Understand you are in the room for a reason. You have a voice. Use it. Be heard.

•”Hearing a good story is like taking a drug.”

•”No one wants to see you fail.”

•”Our film crews here are among the best in the world.”

•Tune in to find out what she had to say about working on the groundbreaking series, Trailer Park Boys.

•Find out about a little known (and very cool!) surfing story that has been uncovered as a result of the work on Diggstown.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Host: Tanya Chedrawy tanyamedia.com 

Guest: Karen Wentzell

Recorded through the facilities of Podcast Atlantic

Sound Recording and Editing by Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic

Follow us on Twitter: @TanyaChedrawy

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyachedrawy/

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Tom Ryan is taking the literary world by storm in the young adult fiction genre. His first novel Way to Go, was chosen as one of the most important works in the history of Nova Scotia. Born and raised in Cape Breton he still considers NS the perfect place to live and spends a few months there every year. Authentic, insightful and talented and so so inspiring -I loved this conversation!

Golden Nuggets:

•His biggest challenge in life was “gaining the confidence to make the decision to leap into becoming a full time creative professional.” -Who can’t relate to this?? Especially us creatives.

•To aspiring writers his advice is to read as much as possible. Read what you like but also read outside of your comfort zone. Practice. Practice. PRACTICE.

•Find out what professional failure taught him the value and power of story.

•”You never get a second to put something out in front of people.”

•Tom came out at the age of 30 and that is what was right for him. He hopes that his work gives others the courage to come out (at a younger or any age) and feel good about themselves.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Host: Tanya Chedrawy tanyamedia.com 

Guest: Tom Ryan http://www.tomryanauthor.com/

Recorded through the facilities of Podcast Atlantic

Sound Recording and Editing by Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic

Follow us on Twitter: @TanyaChedrawy

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyachedrawy/

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I had a great conversation with Leadership Coach, Andrea Janzen. She is authentic, honest, insightful and at times refreshingly raw about her own vulnerability and the universal fear zone of “impostor syndrome”. She has developed tools and strategies to take you from fear and inertia to writing down your goals and checking them off as you achieve them.

With her work (with both men and women) she is on a mission to close the gender gap in the workplace. Her Diversity at Work podcast is a series of interviews and informative episodes about promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Golden Nuggets:

•If you want to make a change in your career, she recommends starting with this question, “What drives your ambition?”

• If you’re not scared you’re probably too comfortable.

•Find out why women need to stop being mentored and should seek to be sponsored instead.

•Why writing down goals helps you to achieve them.

•Tune in to find out where you can purchase her beautiful journal, Ambitious Everyday, it helps to keep you accountable and puts you on the path to realizing your dreams.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Host: Tanya Chedrawy tanyamedia.com 

Guest: Andrea Janzen  http://andreajanzen.com/

Recorded through the facilities of Podcast Atlantic

Sound Recording and Editing by Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic

Follow us on Twitter: @TanyaChedrawy

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyachedrawy/

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Email us at: [email protected]