Boiling Point Podcast

In this episode of The Boiling Point podcast, hosts Emily Rodger and Dave Veale are joined by the inspiring Laura Gatien, Owner and Clinical Therapist at Laura Gatien & Associates, and the visionary founder & CEO of Just Us; We all Struggle Inc., a charitable non-profit striving to make mental health more accessible.

The conversation kicks off with personal reflections from Emily and Dave about their upbringing and experiences related to mental health. Laura passionately introduces her journey, sharing her mission to challenge the status quo in mental health systems and reduce the stigma associated with seeking support. 

One of the central themes explored is the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health support and how gender traditionally influenced seeking help. The trio delves into the importance of breaking down these barriers and increasing accessibility to mental health services, highlighting the progress made in this direction.

Laura shares her insights on leadership, addressing the challenges she faces while staying true to her values as a leader in the mental health space. The discussion further unravels the inception and impact of the "Just Us" program, a charitable initiative offering free or low-cost counseling services, breaking down barriers and fostering hope for new mental health professionals to drive positive change in the field. 

Throughout the episode, listeners gain a deeper understanding of Laura Gatien's unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy and her remarkable journey in transforming the way we perceive and approach mental well-being.

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In this episode of The Boiling Point, we had the privilege of hosting Andy Posner, the visionary founder of Capital Good Fund. Andy's journey is a testament to the transformative power of determination and a bold vision. His story began while pursuing a Master's in Environmental Studies at Brown University, where he uncovered the groundbreaking work of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate renowned as the 'Father of Microfinance.' Inspired by Yunus, Andy recognized that equitable financial services held the potential to uplift communities, both in clean energy and poverty alleviation.

At the heart of Capital Good Fund's mission is an impressive 96.8% client repayment rate, reflecting the organization's commitment to making a meaningful impact. Throughout our conversation, Andy shared valuable insights into Capital Good Fund's innovative loan programs, the challenges inherent in building an organization from the ground up, and the ever-evolving landscape of microfinance.

Beyond his professional journey, Andy's personal experiences, including his background in youth tennis and his journey with bipolar disorder, have deeply influenced his leadership skills and commitment to social change. 

Join us as we explore Andy Posner's extraordinary leadership journey and the profound impact of Capital Good Fund in this episode of The Boiling Point.

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In this episode, the spotlight is on Rachel Vander Vennen, an advocate whose journey has been defined by her commitment to building inclusive communities and fostering meaningful relationships.

As the Executive Director of L'Arche Saint John, Rachel's passion for social inclusion and support for adults with intellectual disabilities takes center stage. Throughout the conversation, the essence of her leadership philosophy shines through—an amalgamation of authenticity, diversity, and a resolute dedication to making a positive impact.

Rachel's career trajectory, marked by twists of curiosity, brings us face to face with the heart of her narrative. From her academic pursuits at the University of Guelph to her engagement with L'Arche communities, her journey showcases the power of following one's passions and embracing unconventional paths.

Authenticity takes center stage in the conversation, underscored by Rachel's insights into authentic leadership and the significance of genuine relationships. She attributes her growth to the support of mentors, such as Dave Stonehouse, and the transformative impact of fostering healthy connections.

We also get to dive into a discussion about the Creative Connections program—a testament to L’Arche’s commitment to creating networks of support and a sense of community. This artistic day program resonates with themes of acceptance, friendship, and belonging, aligning seamlessly with L'Arche's overarching mission.

The episode concludes with a glance at the "Building Community" event, where our very own Emily Rodger will be taking the stage as emcee. Rachel sheds light on the importance of such gatherings in raising awareness and vital funds to sustain L'Arche's initiatives. It's a glimpse into how communities come together to make a tangible difference.

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In this episode, Emily and Dave sit down with Dr. Matthew Harrison, a seasoned educator and digital innovator. Matt’s journey from an accidental teacher to a champion of neurodiversity and inclusion unveils the unexpected ways gaming can foster social skills and empowerment.

Matt’s passion for utilizing technology to enhance social capacity building, belonging, and inclusion in education comes to the forefront. As a gamer himself, he sheds light on the transformative power of gaming in developing crucial social skills, ranging from turn-taking to effective communication. Through personal anecdotes and insights, he emphasizes how gaming can be a potent tool for leadership development, paving the way for a more inclusive society.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the concept of "gaming for good." Matt discusses the innovative initiative, Next Level Collaboration—a program that employs cooperative video games to empower neurodivergent children. With co-founder and Next Level Collaboration CEO, Jess Rowlings, they not only bring lived experience to the table but also a vision for using gaming to boost confidence and social capabilities in young individuals. This venture showcases how unconventional approaches can lead to remarkable outcomes in education and leadership.

Beyond gaming, the discussion expands to the significance of accessibility in leadership. Dr. Harrison provides practical insights for leaders and organizations to make workplaces more accessible and inclusive, highlighting the untapped potential of existing accessibility features within common tools and platforms. His emphasis on understanding preferred communication styles and integrating technology underscores the importance of creating environments where everyone can thrive.

As the conversation wraps up, Emily and Dave reflect on the episode's key takeaways. Listeners are left with a fresh perspective on leadership—a reminder that fostering inclusion requires embracing diverse tools and strategies.

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Hosts Emily Rodger and Dave Veale engage in an enlightening conversation with their guest, Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley. As the Founder & CEO of Dayna Lee-Baggley & Associates and an experienced Registered Psychologist, Dr. Lee-Baggley brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion on leadership, well-being, and navigating the challenges of today's world.

Throughout the episode, key themes emerge, centering on stress, resilience, and the changing landscape of work culture. Dr. Lee-Baggley dives into the impacts of stress and toxic positivity in the "new normal" post-pandemic world. She sheds light on the significance of safe relationships as a buffer against toxic stress and emphasizes that our culture has pushed the idea that we have more personal control than we do, leading to self-shame when faced with challenges.

A core concept introduced by Dr. Lee-Baggley is the "frontal lobe battery." This analogy resonates, as it's used to explain the brain's stress responses and how they relate to overall well-being. Dr. Lee-Baggley further emphasizes the responsibility of leaders in managing workplace stress, challenging the traditional notion of burdening employees with self-care as the sole solution.

As the conversation deepens, the focus shifts to the significance of psychological safety in teams and organizations. Dr. Lee-Baggley encourages leaders to embrace vulnerability and acknowledge their mistakes, fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to speak up and take calculated risks. The episode also delves into the mindset shift required for healthy habits, as Dr. Lee-Baggley challenges the notion that these habits must always be enjoyable to be effective.

Just before Dave and Emily give share their takeaways, Dave introduces us to Dr. Lee-Baggley's book, "Healthy Habits Suck," which he says is a must read.

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Hosts Emily Rodger and Dave Veale welcome Kyra Cole, a renowned entrepreneur, advocate, and expert in economic development and experiential tourism onto the podcast. Kyra's journey into her current line of work is explored, along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her chosen path.

As the conversation unfolds, Kyra modestly acknowledges her numerous accolades, attributing her success to supporting her clients in realizing their visions. The power of community and collaboration takes center stage as Kyra shares her community-over-competition approach, emphasizing the importance of cultivating strong support networks.

Authenticity becomes a prevailing theme as Kyra opens up about the hurdles she faced, making her the resilient and vibrant leader she is today. The hosts, Emily and Dave, praise her willingness to be vulnerable, valuing authenticity as a cornerstone of effective leadership.

The discussion takes a thought-provoking turn as they explore issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in business practices. Kyra highlights the biases present in accessing funding and applying for contracts and emphasizes the transformative potential of collaboration and open conversations to challenge the status quo.

Kyra's expertise in experiential tourism is showcased as she explains its potential to foster community development and forge meaningful connections between tourists and local communities. She provides compelling examples of how this approach can create extraordinary experiences out of seemingly ordinary moments.

Throughout the episode, Kyra's commitment to creating a more equitable economic landscape shines through, underpinned by her decade of experience in municipal and Indigenous economic development. Her dedication to supporting marginalized communities and promoting values-driven partnerships is evident in her work.

As the episode draws to a close, Emily and Dave reflect on the invaluable insights they gained from Kyra's journey. Her emphasis on authenticity, collaboration, and elevating marginalized voices serves as an inspiration for leaders seeking to make a positive impact in their respective fields.

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Emily Rodger and her cohost Dave Veale welcome Jennifer Krueger, Founder and Executive Director of the Estey Art Initiative. Jennifer's profound connection to art, nurtured by her grandmother, Mary Cornell, has driven her to explore various styles and mediums, continually pushing the boundaries of her artistic abilities.

The episode delves into the remarkable work of the Estey Art Initiative, which brings the transformative power of art to elementary schools across New Brunswick. Jennifer shares the organization's origin story, highlighting its growth from serving three schools to impacting the entire province. Through a unique approach, Estey ensures that no child is turned away by renting children's art pieces to businesses. For each rented piece, a child's tuition is covered, making art education accessible to all.

Jennifer emphasizes the core values of Estey Art Initiative, placing the well-being and empowerment of children above the final art product. The presence of an emotional support person during programming ensures a nurturing environment where children can explore their creativity without pressure. The conversation also addresses the importance of paying artists, recognizing their invaluable contributions to society and fostering a sustainable art ecosystem.

The power of art to inspire, transform, and foster personal growth is a central theme of the episode. Co-host Dave Veale shares his insights from leading leadership workshops, highlighting the profound impact of incorporating creativity into various aspects of life. Emily Rodger suggests embracing the spirit of art in the business world, proposing that Dave adopt a child-produced art piece called 'Candy Cow' for his boardroom. There’s something to be said about the potential of art to create positive atmospheres and cultivate innovative thinking.

As the episode concludes, Emily and Dave reflect on their key takeaways. They are inspired by Jennifer Krueger's commitment to using art as a tool for empowering children and fostering their love for artistic expression. The conversation leaves listeners with a renewed appreciation for the transformative power of art and the importance of incorporating creativity into leadership practices.

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Co-hosts Emily and Dave are joined by Andrea Janzen, Founder and CEO of Ambition Theory. Andrea's company seeks to address the lack of female role models and managers in the construction industry, a reality faced by 72% of women in the field. Their mission is to inspire change by creating visible examples of women in leadership positions.

During the episode, the conversation covers a range of topics. They discuss the power of niching down and the resistance people often face when narrowing their focus. Imposter syndrome and the fear of scarcity are explored, shedding light on the challenges associated with embracing a specific niche.

One significant aspect highlighted is some of the research that informs Ambition Theory's practices. Andrea notes research that reveals a striking contradiction known as the "Double Bind." The research found that while 78% of women were advised to be more confident to accelerate their path to leadership, a staggering 70% of those same women were told they were being too bossy when they exhibited leadership traits. This contradictory feedback further emphasizes the need for specialized training programs tailored to women's experiences.

Throughout the episode, Andrea and the hosts delve into the importance of creating visible role models and investing in women employees. They discuss the significance of sponsorship over mentorship, emphasizing its higher return on investment. Additionally, they explore breaking free from the constraints of the "advice trap" and the role of comfort zones in personal and professional growth.

By combining Andrea's expertise, the engaging dynamic between the hosts, and the research findings, the episode provides valuable insights and actionable strategies for accelerating leadership goals. Listeners gain an understanding of the challenges faced by women in the construction industry and the necessity of specialized training programs that empower and support their growth.

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In this episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. David Scott, a renowned expert in sport psychology. Known affectionately as Scotty, he takes us on a journey through his fascinating career in hockey specifically, which began unexpectedly when he stepped in as a replacement speaker at Roger Neilson's Coaches Clinic. We get a glimpse into Scotty's world and how he found his passion for helping athletes and professionals develop the mental skills necessary for success.

Our conversation kicks off with a lively discussion about the vital role of mental skills in both sports and business. Scotty shares valuable insights on the power of mental strength, emphasizing that it's character, not just talent, that truly sets individuals apart. We delve into the importance of humility, resiliency, and mental toughness, as well as the fleeting nature of motivation. Scotty reminds us that true progress lies in focusing on the process rather than being solely driven by external motivation.

Prepare for a surprise twist! Scotty playfully drops a bombshell announcement, showcasing his playful and humorous side. This leads us to a thought-provoking exploration of how our mindset can either view challenges as burdens to endure or as exciting opportunities to embrace. We uncover the impact of our perspective on how we approach and overcome obstacles, highlighting the significance of a growth-oriented mindset.

Our guest, Scotty, takes us deeper into the psychology of success by shedding light on why rookies often outperform expectations. This sparks an engaging conversation about the dangers of rigid expectations and how they can hold us back. We shift our focus to the importance of having an internal locus of control and taking personal responsibility for our outcomes. Throughout the discussion, humility emerges as a common thread, reminding us of its vital role in leadership and personal growth.

Before we wrap up, Scotty jokingly addresses the challenge of being taken seriously, adding a light-hearted touch to the conversation. Our hosts, Dave and Emily, share their key takeaways, reflecting on the valuable insights gained from their time with Scotty. As we conclude this episode, we're left with a renewed understanding of the critical mental skills needed to excel in both sports and business.

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In this episode of the Boiling Point, host Emily Rodger and co-host Dave Veale sit down with the extraordinary Nancy Mathis for an insightful and thought-provoking conversation. As old friends and professional acquaintances, Dave and Nancy kick off the episode by catching up and reminiscing, creating an atmosphere of warmth and familiarity. Nancy introduces her "one word" strategy, sharing her chosen word for the year and discussing its significance in guiding her journey.

Delving into Nancy's remarkable life, she shares stories from her past, providing valuable context for her current path. She also reveals her latest venture, Q5X Audio Transmitters, which sparks her desire to seek guidance from the experienced coaches, Dave and Emily, to navigate her next steps. Nancy's unique ability to simplify complex concepts shines through as she breaks down intricate ideas into digestible nuggets of wisdom.

As the episode progresses, Nancy sheds light on the potential applications of Q5X transmitters in women's sports, envisioning how this technology could enhance broadcast coverage and amplify the voices of women athletes. Emily, drawing from her own experiences as a former elite athlete, adds her insights to the discussion, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas and possibilities.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as the group explores the concept of creating win-win-win situations and how wearable microphones could empower women to transform their presence in broadcasting. Nancy introduces "The Enough Spectrum," a powerful framework that resonates with everyone, highlighting the versatility and impact of the word "enough" in various areas of life.

In the final segment of the episode, Nancy reflects on her "why," digging deep into her motivations and aspirations. The trio engages in a heartfelt conversation, sharing their personal takeaways and discussing what drives them in their respective journeys. The episode concludes with a sense of inspiration and a renewed commitment to purpose.

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