Breaking Brave with Marilyn Barefoot

This episode of Breaking Brave is brought to you by:

SOULSNACKS! Soul snacks are single ingredient, eco conscious dog and cat treats! Sourced directly from farms in Ontario and wrapped in fully compostable packaging. Treating your pets never felt so good. Head to https://soulsnacks.ca/ and use coupon code BREAKINGBRAVE for 15% off your purchase!!! ​

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CRANK COFFEE the newest member of the Neal Brothers family. Crank Coffee is a new Canadian whole bean coffee brand that is certified organic and fair trade. Founded by the Neal Brothers Peter and Chris. This brand was influenced by cycling, coffee lovers, and experts! Check it out at the Neal brothers online shop here: https://shop.nealbrothersfoods.com/collections/crank%C2%AE-coffee-co and USE COUPON CODE BRAVE for 20% OFF Your first Crank Coffee purchase!

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Marissa Stapley is the bestselling author of Lucky (2021), Mating for Life, Things to Do When It’s Raining, and The Last Resort, which was shortlisted for the Arthur Ellis Award. Her journalism has appeared in newspapers and magazines across North America. She lives in Toronto with her family.

Visit her at MarissaStapley.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter @MarissaStapley.

For more from Marilyn Barefoot or to get in touch with her directly, please connect via:

Marilyn's website: https://marilynbarefoot.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynbarefootbigideas/

Twitter: @MarilynBarefoot

Instagram: @marilynbarefoot

ABOUT Marilyn Barefoot, the Host of Breaking Brave:

Breaking Brave is Hosted by Marilyn Barefoot, one of the foremost business coaches & creative ideators in North America - Marilyn gets hired by several of the world's biggest brands, companies, and organizations (the NHL, McDonald's, Deloitte, Coca-Cola, MTV, Viacom, The CFL, Forbes Magazine; to name just a few) to help them get unstuck and generate big, creative ideas.

“An essential trait for any entrepreneur is the ability to recognize opportunity where others don’t but it’s the ability to act on that recognition that is essential for a successful entrepreneur” – Peter Neal, Owner & Founder, Neal Brothers Foods

In 1988, fresh out of university and eager to make an impact, Peter and Chris Neal embarked on a journey that would change their lives and the lives of many others. It all started with an idea, curiosity, a desire to contribute and a letter from Peter to Chris suggesting they make croutons in their mom’s kitchen in Aurora, ON. 

Believing in the importance of empathy and understanding that consumers’ tastes and needs were evolving as was their desire to trust the food they buy, the Neal Brothers set out to create a food company with delicious products consumers could feel good about. From the beginning, they’ve remained rooted in a commitment to delivering ‘goodness’ through their passion for tried and tested recipes and their purpose to actively help those living with food insecurity. 

Fast forward 30 years, the successful Canadian-based Neal Brothers Food Brands and Neal Brothers Food Distribution companies are known as leaders in organic, specialty and natural food products. They are continuously challenging themselves and their partners to provide consumers with new and innovative products that will delight them. Most recently launching a Canadian made de-alcoholised beer with new technology that produces a far superior taste to the current competition. 

Peter oversees Neal Brothers’ Brand Development, Marketing and Sales. In his role, he leads partnerships, sales, distribution and all marketing and communications activities. When away from his desk, and not mired in a pandemic, he relentlessly pursues the world looking for ‘what’s next’ in the food industry to delight Canadians. 

Peter is also known for his commitment to helping innovative food and beverage companies succeed, regularly offering mentorship in entrepreneurship with empathy and is on the board of several start-up companies and not-for-profit organizations. He is a passionate advocate and advisor for Community Food Centers Canada (CFCC) and the co-founder of the Good Food Builders program, through which like-minded food companies contribute much needed resources to CFCC each year. CFCC, an organization near and dear to the Neal Brothers family, helps food insecure Canadians through access to food, food-based education, education and other community services. 

For more from Marilyn Barefoot or to get in touch with her directly, please connect via:

Marilyn's website: https://marilynbarefoot.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynbarefootbigideas/

Twitter: @MarilynBarefoot

Instagram: @marilynbarefoot

ABOUT Marilyn Barefoot, the Host of Breaking Brave:

Breaking Brave is Hosted by Marilyn Barefoot, one of the foremost business coaches & creative ideators in North America - Marilyn gets hired by several of the world's biggest brands, companies, and organizations (the NHL, McDonald's, Deloitte, Coca-Cola, MTV, Viacom, The CFL, Forbes Magazine; to name just a few) to help them get unstuck and generate big, creative ideas.

Dr. Edmund Metatawabin is a Chief, First Nations Elder, Cree writer, Author, educator, and activist. Edmund was awarded the Order of Canada for his advocacy on behalf of residential-school survivors. He is a survivor of St. Anne’s Residential School, in Fort Albany, Ontario where he and his fellow students experienced physical, psychological, and sexual abuse at the hands of school administrators. He documented his experiences in his 2014 book, Up Ghost River: A Chief’s Journey Through the Turbulent Waters of Native History available here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/227773/up-ghost-river-by-edmund-metatawabin--with-alexandra-shimo/ 

In 1992, Edmund organized a conference for other survivors of St. Anne’s Residential School so that they could share their stories. He took their accounts to the police, spurring a criminal investigation that culminated in the convictions of five former staff.

Edmund has devoted himself to righting the wrongs of the past, and educating First Nations youth on traditional knowledge.

Edmund was the first born of eleven siblings. His father lived on the land, a natural resource harvester. Edmund was working on his Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies at York University when he was called home to run for Chief. For eight years, he held that position concentrating on economic development and education.

He has adopted the motto “For Those That Are Not Yet Born” in his research and writing to honour the First Nation heritage on Turtle Island.

His 2014 memoir Up Ghost River: A Chief’s Journey Through the Turbulent Waters of Native History was a shortlisted nominee for the Governor General's Award for English-language non-fiction at the 2014 Governor General's Awards.

His publications also include: Hanaway (2004) and Harvesting: Cree Hunting and Gathering Techniques (2008). In 2010, he was part of the Our Story Advisory Committee for the Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge, run by the Historica-Dominion Institute. 

Toward the end of the episode, you’ll hear directly from Edmund’s nephew, Terry Metatawabin, Edmund’s grandson, Braiden Metatawabin, and his partner Daanis McDonald. You’ll also hear a song performed by Edmund’s son Shannin Metatawabin. You can watch his performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOQoy0vsA0s 

We ask that if you are listening to this episode somewhere that you  find yourself able to, please stand when the song begins for its duration. 

We’d like to offer our most heartfelt, deepest thanks to Edmund Metatawabin and his family for their incredible bravery, generosity, and openness in trusting us enough to share their stories, experiences, wisdom and deeply profound insight on Breaking Brave. We understand the gravity of this trust and appreciate it beyond what words can describe. Our hope for this episode is an echo of Edmund’s hope:

That you listen and share the truth with the people in your life. That you pass on what you learn to your children, your family, and your community so that all future generations can know and understand the truth and history of Canada's enduring, genocidal, and horrific treatment of our First Nations people. Thank you for listening. 

For more from Marilyn Barefoot or to get in touch with her directly, please connect via:

Marilyn's website: https://marilynbarefoot.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynbarefootbigideas/

Twitter: @MarilynBarefoot

Instagram: @marilynbarefoot

ABOUT Marilyn Barefoot, the Host of Breaking Brave:

Breaking Brave is Hosted by Marilyn Barefoot, one of the foremost business coaches & creative ideators in North America - Marilyn gets hired by several of the world's biggest brands, companies, and organizations (the NHL, McDonald's, Deloitte, Coca-Cola, MTV, Viacom, The CFL, Forbes Magazine; to name just a few) to help them get unstuck and generate big, creative ideas.

Beth Miller, Executive Director, Creative Education Foundation is a 20+ year nonprofit leader who is passionate about history, education, leadership, and creativity.  As the Executive Director of the Creative Education Foundation (CEF), she has grown and professionalized all contributed and earned revenue streams including the development Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Professional Development training for public school educators and administrators.  Beth and the CEF team are successfully navigating the Covid-19 pandemic and have developed new virtual programs, which have expanded the CEF audience.  Currently, Beth is exploring collaborative partnerships with The Illumination Project, the Center for Policing Equity, and various national Invention Conventions.  

Beth taught writing at Trinity College for 10 years, and who served as Writing Fellow at Quinnipiac University where she taught and assisted with writing program curriculum design. Beth earned her B.A. in Women’s Studies (2000) and her M.A. in American Studies (2003) at Trinity College, graduating with distinction for both degrees; she was also inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.  For her scholarship and community service, Beth received the Ann Petry Book Prize in American Studies, the D.G. Brinton Thompson Prize in United States History, the Samuel S. Fishzohn Award for Civil Rights and Community Service, the Elma H. Martin Book Prize for Student Leadership, and the Tyler Award for Interdisciplinary Studies.  

Beth currently serves as a Trustee of the Ahearn Family Foundation, and recently completed her tenure as a member of the Trinity College National Alumni Association Executive Committee. In 2005, Beth was hired to write “A Life-Giving Spirit:” 75 Years at the Bushnell, which was a history of The Bushnell Memorial Theater in Hartford, Connecticut. In 2017, Beth received an honorary PhD in Arts and Humane Letters from Southern New Hampshire University for her academic and professional achievements.  Her award-winning Senior Seminar Thesis, “Challenging Race and Gender Boundaries in Antebellum America,” about Prudence Crandall was adapted as the play, “An Education in Prudence,” produced by the Open Theater Project in Boston, MA in February 2018.    And, in 2019, Beth was recognized by her alma mater as one of the “50 for the next 50 Years,” which celebrated Trinity’s 50th anniversary of co-education by honoring 50 professors, alumni, and students as Trinity’s current and future women leaders.

For more on the Creative Education Foundation or CPSE, head to https://www.creativeeducationfoundation.org/

For more from Marilyn Barefoot or to get in touch with her directly, please connect via:

Marilyn's website: https://marilynbarefoot.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynbarefootbigideas/

Twitter: @MarilynBarefoot

Instagram: @marilynbarefoot

ABOUT Marilyn Barefoot, the Host of Breaking Brave:

Breaking Brave is Hosted by Marilyn Barefoot, one of the foremost business coaches & creative ideators in North America - Marilyn gets hired by several of the world's biggest brands, companies, and organizations (the NHL, McDonald's, Deloitte, Coca-Cola, MTV, Viacom, The CFL, Forbes Magazine; to name just a few) to help them get unstuck and generate big, creative ideas.

Robert Rotenberg can’t remember a time he didn’t want to be a novelist. He grew up in a family of readers and storytellers. Robert began to write stories in elementary school and took every English and writing course he could in high school. He studied English literature at university, took a year off to write a book and found he couldn’t write more than a chapter.

Then he went to law school in Toronto and graduate school in England, worked as a magazine editor in Paris for an English-speaking magazine named “Passion,” then came back to Toronto and for six years published and edited his own city magazine, “T.O. The Magazine of Toronto.” He also worked as a film executive and as a producer at CBC Radio.

After all that, Robert opened his criminal law practice — crime was the only part of law that ever interested him. The first day he started working as a lawyer, he also started writing his first novel. That took 10 years. It’s still in a drawer.

He worked on “Old City Hall” next. It took a decade, and in 2009 he had his first breakthrough. The book was published in nine languages and became a Canadian bestseller. Since then he's written five more novels. His latest novel, “Downfall,” which we discuss, was released in February 2021. Honestly, I couldn't put it down and would highly recommend Downfall for a fun and suspenseful read!

Robert also works as a screenwriter; having co-written two Murdoch Mysteries and a TV series proposal that he sold, he’s now working on a number of TV and film projects and, of course, his next novel! To stay up to date on all things Robert, head to https://robertrotenberg.com/ or find him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/robertrotenberg 

For more from Marilyn Barefoot or to get in touch with her directly, please connect via:

Marilyn's website: https://marilynbarefoot.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynbarefootbigideas/

Twitter: @MarilynBarefoot

Instagram: @marilynbarefoot

ABOUT Marilyn Barefoot, the Host of Breaking Brave:

Breaking Brave is Hosted by Marilyn Barefoot, one of the foremost business coaches & creative ideators in North America - Marilyn gets hired by several of the world's biggest brands, companies, and organizations (the NHL, McDonald's, Deloitte, Coca-Cola, MTV, Viacom, The CFL, Forbes Magazine; to name just a few) to help them get unstuck and generate big, creative ideas.

Linda Lundström founded her eponymous brand in 1974. Her recognizable line of outerwear, clothing and accessories was sold in three flagship boutiques in addition to top retailers across North America and Europe, including Hudson’s Bay Company and Nordstrom.  Lundström sold her company in 2008. Now, she is focused on her independent luxury collection, Designed by Linda Lundström, a handmade selection of versatile ready-to-wear knits and linen, statement furs and artful leather pieces launched in 2011. A Fashion Designer who loves manufacturing, a manufacturer with a talent for designing, Linda Lundstrom has a unique combination of skills and is one of the most respected names in Canadian fashion.

Linda's latest endeavor is Therma Kōta, a new Nordic-inspird luxury outerwear line created with her two daughters. For more about Linda and all the cool things she does, check out the following links:

http://www.sewingcircle.org/

https://thermakota.com/

http://www.lindalundstrom.ca/

Thanks so much for listening to Breaking Brave! If you like the show, please subscribe, review, and/or send us your suggestions or questions via the platforms below!

For more from Marilyn Barefoot or to get in touch with her directly, please connect via:

Marilyn's website: https://marilynbarefoot.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynbarefootbigideas/

Twitter: @MarilynBarefoot

Instagram: @marilynbarefoot

ABOUT Marilyn Barefoot, the Host of Breaking Brave:

Breaking Brave is Hosted by Marilyn Barefoot, one of the foremost business coaches & creative ideators in North America - Marilyn gets hired by several of the world's biggest brands, companies, and organizations (the NHL, McDonald's, Deloitte, Coca-Cola, MTV, Viacom, The CFL, Forbes Magazine; to name just a few) to help them get unstuck and generate big, creative ideas.

It helps us so much to have your feedback which goes a really long way in helping us shape the future of Breaking Brave and host the guests you're most interested in hearing from! So if you have the time, please subscribe, review, and connect with Marilyn on social media or through her website! And as always, thanks so much for tuning in!

Born, raised, and still residing in Vancouver, Daniel spends his days (and sometimes nights) working as an Emergency Department Physician at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver for the past twenty years. He has been the Emergency Department Head since 2013. He is also clinical associate professor at the University of British Columbia.

Daniel is also the author of TWELVE published novels, which have been translated into thirteen languages. He has had two novels optioned for film, and his Shanghai trilogy is currently being developed for television. In his twelfth novel, Lost Immunity, Daniel tackles the issue of vaccine hesitancy and the potential impact on a global outbreak, applying his real-life experience working on the front lines through the COVID pandemic.

Daniel received his B.Sc. in Mathematics and his MD from the University of British Columbia, where he is now a clinical associate professor and the department head of a major urban ER. He's the proud father of two girls and a poorly behaved but lovable mutt, Milo.

Thanks so much for listening to Breaking Brave! If you like the show, please subscribe, review, and/or send us your suggestions or questions via the platforms below!

For more from Marilyn Barefoot or to get in touch with her directly, please connect via:

Marilyn's website: https://marilynbarefoot.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynbarefootbigideas/

Twitter: @MarilynBarefoot

Instagram: @marilynbarefoot

ABOUT Marilyn Barefoot, the Host of Breaking Brave:

Breaking Brave is Hosted by Marilyn Barefoot, one of the foremost business coaches & creative ideators in North America - Marilyn gets hired by several of the world's biggest brands, companies, and organizations (the NHL, McDonald's, Deloitte, Coca-Cola, MTV, Viacom, The CFL, Forbes Magazine; to name just a few) to help them get unstuck and generate big, creative ideas.

It helps us so much to have your feedback which goes a really long way in helping us shape the future of Breaking Brave and host the guests you're most interested in hearing from! So if you have the time, please subscribe, review, and connect with Marilyn on social media or through her website! And as always, thanks so much for tuning in!

Diane was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at the age of five. By the time she was ten, she was considered legally blind, and lost all sight in her 30’s.

Undaunted by this, Diane continues to achieve whatever goal she sets her sights on – from higher education: she has her Master of Arts in Leadership – to physical fitness: she recently completed an Ironman. What many would call a disadvantage, Diane has turned into an incredible strength.

Through all of Diane’s work, sport and volunteer activities, she demonstrates a commitment to improving the quality of life of all people.

Diane is currently a Vice President for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, CNIB in a national and international advocacy role, and has held an array of other high-level positions in organizations that advocate for people with disabilities.

She has held many positions responsible for organizational governance and public relations. Whether it’s participating as secretary of her child’s Parent Council, or President of the National Educational Association of Disabled Students, Diane brings together her experience and passion to the role.

Diane is also a life-long learner. She is an alumnus of both the Management Studies and the Rehabilitation Practitioner programs at MacEwan University. She is also a graduate of MacEwan’s Bachelor of Applied Human Services Administration program. Please enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with the incredible Diane Bergeron on Breaking Brave! 

Thanks so much for listening to Breaking Brave! If you like the show, please subscribe, review, and/or send us your suggestions or questions via the platforms below!

For more from Marilyn Barefoot or to get in touch with her directly, please connect via:

Marilyn's website: https://marilynbarefoot.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynbarefootbigideas/

Twitter: @MarilynBarefoot

Instagram: @marilynbarefoot

ABOUT Marilyn Barefoot, the Host of Breaking Brave:

Breaking Brave is Hosted by Marilyn Barefoot, one of the foremost business coaches & creative ideators in North America - Marilyn gets hired by several of the world's biggest brands, companies, and organizations (the NHL, McDonald's, Deloitte, Coca-Cola, MTV, Viacom, The CFL, Forbes Magazine; to name just a few) to help them get unstuck and generate big, creative ideas.

It helps us so much to have your feedback which goes a really long way in helping us shape the future of Breaking Brave and host the guests you're most interested in hearing from! So if you have the time, please subscribe, review, and connect with Marilyn on social media or through her website! And as always, thanks so much for tuning in!

Evan M. Landry is an award winning producer and Executive Producer/Partner at Toronto-based Asymetric Media. He recently produced and co-created the IPF funded web series Short Term Sentence distributed by levelFilm. Evan has also produced over 100 music videos and commercials for world renowned brands and artists, and has produced numerous short films that have played in festivals all over the world and sold in multiple territories. Including 5 Films About Technology directed by Peter Huang which premiered at TIFF, played at Sundance, and was released theatrically in the US by Neon ahead of the feature film Colossal. Evan also produced the video for Drake’s viral hit Hotline Bling which has amassed well over 1 Billion views and multiple awards. Most recently, Evan executive produced the TV version of 5 Films About Technology, entitled Nine Films About Technology for FX/Hulu which is currently available on FX and Hulu in the US and in Canada on Disney +'s STAR as part of season four of CAKE!

Thanks so much for listening to Breaking Brave! If you like the show, please subscribe, review, and/or send us your suggestions or questions via the platforms below!

For more from Marilyn Barefoot or to get in touch with her directly, please connect via:

Marilyn's website: https://marilynbarefoot.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynbarefootbigideas/

Twitter: @MarilynBarefoot

Instagram: @marilynbarefoot

ABOUT Marilyn Barefoot, the Host of Breaking Brave:

Breaking Brave is Hosted by Marilyn Barefoot, one of the foremost business coaches & creative ideators in North America - Marilyn gets hired by several of the world's biggest brands, companies, and organizations (the NHL, McDonald's, Deloitte, Coca-Cola, MTV, Viacom, The CFL, Forbes Magazine; to name just a few) to help them get unstuck and generate big, creative ideas.

It helps us so much to have your feedback which goes a really long way in helping us shape the future of Breaking Brave and host the guests you're most interested in hearing from! So if you have the time, please subscribe, review, and connect with Marilyn on social media or through her website! And as always, thanks so much for tuning in!

Welcome to my brand new podcast Breaking Brave. Coming soon everywhere you listen to your podcasts!

Thanks so much for listening to Breaking Brave! If you like the show, please subscribe, review, and/or send us your suggestions or questions via the platforms below!

For more from Marilyn Barefoot or to get in touch with her directly, please connect via:

Marilyn's website: https://marilynbarefoot.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynbarefootbigideas/

Twitter: @MarilynBarefoot

Instagram: @marilynbarefoot

It helps us so much to have your feedback which goes a really long way in helping us shape the future of Breaking Brave and host the guests you're most interested in hearing from! So if you have the time, please subscribe, review, and connect with Marilyn on social media or through her website! And as always, thanks so much for tuning in!