Chatter that Matters

Imagine being Suzanne Heywood, a seven-year-old girl who must abandon all she knows: friends, school, home and surroundings because her parent's dream is to spend three years sailing across the globe, retracing the route of Captain James Cook. Three years turned into a decade and a living nightmare aboard the Wavewalker-A 70-foot sailboat boat, often shared with strangers to help fund the trip. 

The family encounters violent storms and life-threatening injuries, and for Suzanne emotional abandonment, and isolation even within her family. Yet, amidst the chaos, she found solace and determination in education, meticulously crafting her lifeline to escape-a true and powerful story of trauma to triumph, resilience and reclamation.

To purchase Suzanne'e book, https://www.amazon.com/Wavewalker-Memoir-Breaking-Suzanne-Heywood-ebook/dp/B0BZK87N22

This is the extraordinary true story of Tier One Special Forces soldier, adventurer, and world-record breaker Dean Stott. In a gripping retelling of his story, Dean shares insight into his esteemed military career in the British Army, where he conducted deployments to hostile environments, worked within counterterrorism operations in some of the most dangerous places in the world, and survived a horrific parachute accident.

Stott discloses how he continued to fuel his journey of excellence by starting a high-risk security company and becoming the first man to cycle the Pan American Highway in under one hundred days, and raising over a million dollars to support his friend Prince Harry's efforts with mental health awareness charities.

Dean Stott offers an inspiring reminder that we all have the capability to use our inner voices, drive, and instincts to become relentless in our pursuits in life.

A fantastic episode to share with 16+ as Dean’s lessons resonate with all:

You can’t control the uncontrollable—but you can choose how you react to life’s challenges.

 Failure is just experience—as long as you learn and grow, there’s no such thing as losing.

 Actions speak louder than words—if you believe in something, let your actions be the proof.

To buy Dean's book, Relentless, https://www.amazon.com/Relentless-Special-Operations-Record-Breaker/dp/1665725176

Uncover the shocking truth about human and sex trafficking in Canada with survivor Kaitlin Bick who courageously shares her journey from vulnerability to victimization and ultimately to becoming an advocate for others. Kaitlin's raw and honest account of her childhood insecurities, substance abuse, and exploitation provides a deeply personal perspective on the complex factors that can lead to the crimes that were inflicted on her humanity and how hard it is to return your life to some form of normality.

Expert Insights

Carly Kalish, Executive Director of Victim Services Toronto.

Jennifer Price from Women's College Hospital

Why Listen?

Gain a rare survivors’ perspective on human and sexual trafficking

Understand how traffickers’ prey 

Learn to recognize warning signs in your community

Be inspired by one woman's journey from victim to hero

This isn't just Kaitlin's story – it's an important story for all.

Thanks to Kelly Grier and HART: Human Anti-Trafficking Response Team for sponsoring this episode.  To find out more about the work they are doing, https://harthelps.com

To find out more about Victim's Services Toronto, https://www.victimservicestoronto.com

To find out more about Women's College Hospital,  https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca

Reinventing Healthcare, Four Women at a Time. In this powerful episode, I chat with Amy Louis-Bayliss, MD MSCP, and Lindsay Stollery Jephcott, two of four visionary women—three doctors and an entrepreneur—who unite to transform women’s healthcare.

Rather than rushing to build a business, they began by aligning their values and purpose, grounding their venture in a commitment to make a real impact.

Through Lume Women + Health, they tackle a crucial, often overlooked need: personalized healthcare for women. They address menopause, sexual health, and overall wellness with a unique, preventive approach.

At the same time, the episode examines the broader healthcare system’s challenges and the toll on patients and front-line workers alike. It explores the idea that a fusion of private-sector innovation and a shared vision for accessible care could bring scalable, lasting change. This conversation offers an inspiring blend of entrepreneurial grit, health advocacy, and lessons in building purpose-driven partnerships.

And their approach could change healthcare for the better across our country.

To learn more about Lume Women + Health: https://lumewomenshealth.com

I sit down with the remarkable Debbie Travis, a woman who has spent her life pursuing her dreams, taking bold leaps, and transforming television. Debbie is an entrepreneur extraordinaire. We learn about her humble beginnings to becoming a successful model, a world-renowned and beloved television personality, author, speaker, and today running a Villa in Tuscany.

Debbie’s unapologetic honesty shines through as she discusses her challenges and how she turned them into opportunities. Whether you're looking for inspiration, laughter, or ideas on approaching life, you will love hearing Debbie's story as much as I loved interviewing her.

To learn more about Debbie and to buy her new book,

Laugh More: Stories from an Unexpected Life: https://debbietravis.com

In this episode of Chatter that Matters, I take on one of the toughest challenges facing us today, and many would argue one of our biggest problems to solve: affordable housing. First, you’ll meet Calum MacKay, a young man and a captivating storyteller who takes us on his journey of turning the impossible into reality. Living in Vancouver, where home prices are sky-high, Calum and his wife faced the harsh truth that even with their combined incomes, they couldn’t afford to rent, let alone buy a home for their soon-to-be expanded family. But Calum didn’t give up. With a blend of creativity, resilience, and sheer determination, he made homeownership happen in a way that seems almost miraculous. His story isn’t just about luck—it’s about finding innovative solutions in the face of overwhelming odds.

But Calum’s experience is just one side of the story. We then dive into the broader conversation with two experts who offer insights on how we can tackle the housing affordability crisis on a larger scale.

Brad Bradford, a dynamic and forward-thinking city councillor from Toronto, joins us to discuss the political and bureaucratic shifts needed to support housing development. He highlights the importance of breaking down barriers and creating a “culture of yes” where innovative housing solutions can thrive.

Next, Leah Robinson, Vice President at RBC, shares how the bank is stepping up to help homeowners find new ways to afford and optimize their living spaces. Her comments are not a sales pitch but sage and honest advice on how to create multi-generational living and income-generating spaces like laneway homes and rental suites; as she says, this isn't the faint of heart, but with the right collaboration banks, municipalities, and builders you can find and fund your way.

Why You Should Listen:

This episode will inspire you to make the impossible possible and offer actionable insights and ideas for approaching any problem, including owning your own home. 

To find out more about funding your impossible dream:

https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/mortgages/building-your-own-house.html?utm_source=vanity&utm_medium=marketing&utm_campaign=mtg_constructionmortgage

Sitting down with extraordinary entrepreneur and thought leader Chip Conley was an absolute joy. In his twenties, he founded Joie de Vivre Hospitality. After facing near death, he sold his business and helped mentor the founders of Airbnb to realize their success.

A best-selling author, sought-after speaker, and visionary. Chip now leads an extraordinary movement to redefine how we approach aging through the Modern Elder Academy.

Some of the key takeaways:

A Deep Dive into Curiosity: Chip shares the power of staying curious at every stage of life and how curiosity can fuel personal and professional growth.

Wisdom for Entrepreneurs: Chip reveals vital lessons learned from building and leading successful businesses while staying true to a sense of joy and purpose.

Relevance for Modern Leaders: For anyone in leadership roles or aspiring to be, Chip’s journey from leading by ego to mentoring with soul offers valuable insights on cultivating wisdom and influence across generations.

Emotional Intelligence: Understand how emotional intelligence grows with age and why it matters more than ever in today’s rapidly changing world.

Midlife: Instead of a crisis, we should consider it a chrysalis, awakening our purpose and passion.

Emotions: They are contagious.

Journey: The first part of your life is about building your resume, and the second is about building your eulogy. 

To learn more about Chip, the Modern Elder Academy and to purchase his books, https://chipconley.com

We live in troubling times where the dangerous echoes of history pound onto Canada's streets. Chants calling for the eradication of an entire population are not just words—they are a chilling reminder of humanity’s darkest chapters. My show this week confronts the reality of the genocide, both past and present, and explores how hate-filled rhetoric, left unchecked, can lead to unimaginable atrocities.

I want to understand more about genocide and why it is even possible. Why are some humans, and sadly some in power, wired that way? My guest today is Amra Sabic-El-Rayess. She is a Muslim and a survivor of the Bosnian genocide. Amra endured unimaginable horrors, losing loved ones and witnessing the brutality of ethnic cleansing. Despite this, she emerged not with hate but with a mission to combat intolerance and violence.

Amra made her way to America with no money nor any command of English. Today, Amra holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University, where she focuses on education, conflict, and social justice. She specializes in the role of education in preventing violence and fostering social cohesion.

If applied in every home and classroom, what Amra has to say could save the human race and create a world of love, not hate.

To my Jewish friends, Shanah Tovah. You deserve peace and prosperity. This is your time, and I hope everyone's time for reflection, repentance, and renewal.

 To purchase Amra's books or to learn more: https://www.sabicelrayess.org

"Aging is a design problem, not a disease. Our current societal infrastructure isn't just outdated; it limits the possibilities for fulfilling, extended lives." – Dr. Joe Coughlin. 

Are you ready to rethink your approach to aging and retirement?

In this life-opening episode of Chatter That Matters, I sit down with Dr. Joe F. Coughlin, founder and director of the MIT AgeLab. We dive deep into the transformative insights from Dr. Coughlin's pioneering work on aging. From the importance of planning for a 100-year life to the crucial role of women in shaping aging dynamics, Dr. Coughlin challenges traditional views and highlights the vast opportunities that come with extended adulthood. He also underscores the critical need for well-designed technology and innovative approaches to retirement.

Dr. Joe Coughlin is a visionary who doesn't fill boardrooms; he fills stadiums.  He is a senior contributor to Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. He has served on advisory boards for numerous global firms and was appointed to the White House advisory committee on aging.

Joe will challenge your thinking about growing older and living longer. Dr. Coughlin shares how technological advancements, shifting societal norms, and new ideas can help us all live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

We'll explore his groundbreaking insights on the longevity dividend and why old age, as we know it, is outdated. Whether navigating your aging journey or supporting loved ones through theirs, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what's possible in the years ahead. 

Leanne Kaufmann, President and CEO of Royal Trust, returns to the show to share what RBC Wealth is doing. RBC Wealth partners with organizations like the MIT Age Lab, the Cleveland Clinic, the National Institute on Aging, the Women’s Brain Insitute, Elder Caring and the Women’s Age Lab to help clients understand and navigate the vital intersection of longevity, technology, and proactive retirement planning.

To buy Dr. Coughlin's books. https://www.amazon.com/Books-Joseph-F-Coughlin/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AJoseph+F.+Coughlin

Follow him on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjoecoughlin

Have you ever wondered what it was like to raise Beyoncé as a father and be her manager? Or how Destiny's Child came to be one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. The role brands like L’Oréal and Pepsi played in Beyoncé's early success as a solo artist.

Mathew Knowles, the father of Beyoncé and Solange, joins Chatter that Matters to share his remarkable journey from a Father of Beyoncé and Solange to a Music Industry Manager, then a Mogul to a Civil Rights Crusader, a Survivor of Male Breast Cancer, and Keynote Speaker.

Mathew Knowles will deliver a keynote at the After Breast Cancer Gala on September 29, 2024, from 12 to 6 pm, at the Bellvu Manor in Vaughan, Ontario.  Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.afterbreastcancer.ca/pink-diamond-gala-2024

10 Moments That Matter:

1. [02:09] Matthew Knowles discusses being a child when schools were being desegregated  2. [05:09] The classroom incident that taught Knowles the importance of being prepared 3. [08:30] How Knowles got his job at Xerox through a chance encounter 4. [11:05] Beyoncé as a young child 5. [13:19] Sharing Destiny's Child's successes and failures and why both matter 6. [15:06] The decision to transition from corporate America to music management 7. [16:46] Navigating the challenges of being both a parent and manager 8. [18:41] Practicing failure as part of artist development for Destiny's Child 9. [19:18] Approaching the music industry from a worldwide perspective 10. [20:48] Knowles' battle with male breast cancer 

To learn more about Mathew Knowles, https://www.mathewknowles.com/