In this episode of Cape Breton Accents, President David Dingwall sits down with legendary Capers coach, Ness Timmons. Ness is a three-time U SPORTS Coach of the Year and the driving force behind one of the most successful university soccer programs in the country.

As Ness prepares to enter his 30th season with the CBU Women’s Soccer team, he reflects on building a culture that values character, attitude and purpose on and off the field. From fostering leadership in every player to instilling the belief that attitude is everything, his holistic coaching style has shaped generations of student-athletes.

Listen to the end to learn about the National Championship win that brought Cape Breton Island together and discover why Ness believes great teams always see the bigger picture.

Stream now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Learn more at cbu.ca/podcast

Episode 13 - Scholarships, Science and Stepping into New Opportunities with Ava Graham

In this episode of Cape Breton Accents, President Dingwall sits down with Ava Graham, a standout student whose CBU experience is defined by curiosity, leadership and a few unexpected pivots along the way.

Ava reflects on her journey from a spontaneous application to CBU to earning the prestigious Chancellor’s Scholarship, leading as Vice-President of the CBU Students’ Union and working in Dr. Stephanie MacQuarrie’s research lab. She also shares how her love for science and policy led her to a new path of a dual degree in law and health administration at Dalhousie University.

Tune in to hear why Ava believes showing up, asking questions and getting involved on campus can change everything.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Learn more at CBU.ca/Podcast.

Communication, Leadership and Listening with Dr. Felix Odartey-Wellington

In this episode of Cape Breton Accents, President David C. Dingwall sits down with Dr. Felix Odartey-Wellington, Chair of Senate and full professor of Communication at Cape Breton University.

With a background in law, advocacy and broadcasting, Dr. Odartey-Wellington brings a unique global perspective to his teaching and leadership at CBU. He discusses the role of Senate as the academic heart of the University, how communication shapes governance and why listening is just as important as speaking.

From the courtroom in Ghana to the classroom in Cape Breton, Dr. Odartey-Wellington shares how public speaking and being a good listener, can transform leadership, learning and life.

Episode 12 is now live. Listen on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Learn more at cbu.ca/podcast

Pretty Philip - From Sea to CBU

In this episode of Cape Breton Accents, President Dingwall sits down with Pretty Philip, a Bachelor of Business Administration student at Cape Breton University with a focus in Human Resources.

From her roots in southern India to navigating oil tankers around the world, Pretty brings a truly global perspective to campus. In this heartfelt conversation, she shares her story of a long-standing connection to the Maritimes, her deep appreciation for mentorship at CBU and how a powerful Indigenous welcome practice that has become part of Pretty’s own spiritual routine.

With warmth and reflection, Pretty opens up about choosing CBU, her dreams of pursuing a CPHR designation and the supportive network that has shaped her journey on and off campus.

Tune in for a conversation about community, belonging and the unexpected paths that lead us home.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Learn more at cbu.ca/podcast.

Recreation for all: Garrett Nicholson

In this episode of Cape Breton Accents, President Dingwall sits down with Garrett Nicholson, Coordinator of Recreation and Sports at Cape Breton University, for a fun and insightful conversation about student life, inclusion and the role of recreation in building community.

Garrett shares how his own journey, from playing baseball in the US to leading recreation at CBU, inspired his passion for supporting wellness and connection initiatives. From drop-in sports and club teams, to the most unique offerings for recreational sports in Canada, Garrett walks us through the ways the campus community can get involved and stay active.

With a focus on diversity, accessibility and student leadership, CBU’s recreation programming is growing to meet the needs of a dynamic and global student body while offering a space to recharge, connect and thrive.

Tune in for a conversation about community, campus culture and the unexpected sports that are winning hearts at CBU.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Learn more at cbu.ca/podcast.

In this episode of Cape Breton Accents, President Dingwall sits down with CBU Bachelor of Social Work graduate, Alex Orychock, for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, purpose and the power of staying close to home.

Born and raised in Whitney Pier, Alex shares how personal challenges and a desire to help others led him to pursue social work. As a member of the program’s inaugural cohort, he reflects on the hands-on learning, supportive faculty and powerful practicum experiences that helped shape his professional identity.

Alex’s placements connected him with mentors who inspired his practice and reaffirmed his decision to build a career rooted in betterment of the community he grew up in.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about turning hardship into purpose and finding strength in connection.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Learn more at cbu.ca/podcast

Episode 8: Lynn LeVatte – Preparing Educators for a Changing World

In this episode of Cape Breton Accents, President David Dingwall is joined by Dr. Lynn LeVatte, Assistant Professor in CBU’s School of Education, to explore how educators are being prepared for the classrooms of today and tomorrow.

Dr. LeVatte shares insights on CBU’s Bachelor and Master of Education programs, emphasizing the importance of preparing educators through both academic and hands-on learning. The conversation touches on the powerful collaboration between education and healthcare professionals, including social workers, to support students holistically.

They also delve into the evolving role of technology in the classroom, discussing how digital tools can both challenge and enhance the way educators teach, and students learn.

Whether you're a future teacher, a lifelong learner or simply curious about how education is changing, this episode offers a thoughtful and hopeful look at the future of teaching in Nova Scotia and beyond.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Learn more at cbu.ca/podcast.

Don’t forget to share the episode, leave a review, and let us know who you’d like to hear from next!

In this episode of Cape Breton Accents, President Dingwall sits down with William Bowers as he shares his powerful journey from South Africa to Canada. Driven by his early experiences growing up during apartheid, William was determined to pursue a career focused on community upliftment, a goal that led him to Cape Breton University’s MBA in Community Economic Development program.

William reflects on the cultural differences he experienced, from South Africa’s highly competitive, individualistic environment to Canada’s emphasis on collaboration and community support. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of CBU’s MBA in CED, William’s story is a moving testament to the program’s long-standing impact on shaping careers and strengthening communities.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, transformation and the power of education to drive real change.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Learn more at cbu.ca/podcast.

Don’t forget to share the episode, leave a review, and let us know who you’d like to hear from next!

Ben Smith – Playing it Forward

In this heartwarming episode of Cape Breton Accents, President Dingwall sits down with Ben Smith, a two-time CBU Alumnus and last year’s valedictorian. Raised in Curaçao and now finishing his second degree at CBU, Ben shares how music, community and mentorship have shaped his experience both inside and outside the classroom.

From his decision to move to Cape Breton, to the deep impact of his professors and the sense of belonding he found through CBU’s BACS program, Ben’s story is one of passion, growth and connection. And just when you think it can’t get any more Cape Breton, he takes out his fiddle to play what he believes CBU sounds like.

Whether you're a future student, a proud alumni or a fan of great stories, this episode is not to be missed.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Learn more at cbu.ca/podcast.

Don’t forget to share the episode, leave a review and let us know who you’d like to hear from next!

Shashwat Trivedi – Rooted in Community

In this episode, President Dingwall sits down with Shashwat Trivedi, a CBU alumni and the University’s Communications and Social Media Specialist. Originally from India, Shashwat shares his journey from international student to full-blown Caper.

Together, they reflect on Cape Breton’s deep sense of community, the challenges and triumphs of navigating permanent residency and the power of authentic storytelling in helping others feel seen, heard and welcomed.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Learn more at cbu.ca/podcast.

Don’t forget to share the episode, leave a review and let us know who you’d like to hear from next!