Chatter that Matters

This episode with one of today's most influential thinkers will leave you thinking more.

Professor Steven Pinker is the Johnstone Family Professor in the Department of Psychology at Harvard University. He is also an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, a Humanist of the Year, a recipient of nine honorary doctorates, one of Foreign Policy's "World's Top 100 Public Intellectuals" and Time's "100 Most Influential People in the World Today."

Professor Pinker talks about his research and the concepts he reveals in his best-selling books, which are surprising, enlightening, and inspiring. For instance, Pinker's Better Angels of Our Nature reveals that violence is, in fact, in decline, and we are living in the most peaceful moment in our species' existence. In Rationality, Pinker examines how humans can, on the one hand, develop COVID-19 vaccines in less than a year yet produce volumes of fake news daily. In The Blank Slate, he examines the origins of human nature and challenges the arguments of nature versus nurture.

I also share Steven Pinker's concerns that opinion has been criminalized, and I appreciate his solutions to help curb negativity and single-minded perspectives. Pinker offers his views on what children should be taught so they can grow into critical thinkers. And this lover of science and facts, with an apparent gift for words, reveals how scientific curiosity and understanding can ultimately inspire and empower us all.

Some fantastic takeaways from the brilliant Steven Pinker.

Alan Depencier, the Chief Marketing Officer of RBC, joins the show to share ideas on how brands can counter the negative side of social media. To do so, they must understand their purpose, foster a culture that embraces it, and look at positive or negative feedback as an opportunity to improve.

To learn more about Steven Pinker: https://stevenpinker.com

This story has all the markings of Rocky, the story of a struggling, small-time boxer and debt collector, Rocky Balboa, who gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fight the world's heavyweight champion and when he wins, finds himself, and becomes the symbol of hope and inspiration. In this case, instead of boxing gloves, it was drumsticks.

As a child, James Laughlin didn't fit in. He grew up in Northern Ireland with parents of opposing religions and a world he dreamed of escaping each time a plane passed over his head. James was often in trouble for speaking out at school. One day his Head Master offered him a choice—another week of detentions or drumsticks and the school band. With visions of Ringo Star pounding in his head, he soon learned his destiny was to be the pipe major of a bagpipe band, kilt and all.

The drumsticks were his turning point, and James went from wayward youth to becoming a world champion drummer and then a coach who took underdog Piper Bands in Canada and New Zealand to the top of the world.

Yet within his success and persona of positivity was James' reliance on alcohol to mask his lack of self-esteem and identity, and later, the pain of his wife suffering a miscarriage.

An Anthony Robbins seminar was the next turning point that allowed James to recalibrate his life and find a new path to help others while healing himself. James created High-Performance Leadership and today coaches high-performing leaders and athletes.

If you love a good underdog story, you won't be able to resist James Laughlin's journey, and if you are after powerful lessons in life on how to get to where you need, want and deserve to go, you will find it here.

My three takeaways:

Measure what Matters. participation medals are not enough.

Tall Poppy Syndrome - ignore it and keep growing.

Passion is who you are, and purpose is what you give to the world around you.

Mark Beckles, Vice President, Social Impact and Innovation at RBC, returns to the show. I am a big fan of Mark's passion and approach to life. In this episode, I ask Mark how to prevent so many of our youth from dropping out. Mark talks about the importance of having a purpose and an identity, finding a mentor, and connecting to people through their passions.

Chatter that Matters - inspiring stories of people who overcome circumstances to chase their dreams and change their world, even ours, for the better.

To learn more about James Laughlin: https://www.jjlaughlin.com/site/about

To learn about RBC and Future Launch: https://www.rbc.com/dms/enterprise/futurelaunch/

A sold-out event at the Toronto Hunt Club, ending with a loud and sustained standing ovation for my guest Steve Paikin, the anchor of the flagship current affairs program, The Agenda. I was so happy with this interview that I brought it to Chatter that Matters.

Steve Paikin is a recipient of the Order of Canada, an author, a documentary producer, and one of Canada's most admired journalists. We cover so much ground and with so much laughter. We learn about Steve's upbringing, the values he learned from his parents and mentors, and what led him to journalism.

I found Steve fearless but surprisingly modest and humble for someone who has accomplished so much. Steve shares several behind-the-scenes stories, including his interview with Mikhail Gorbachev, the eighth and final leader of the Soviet Union. That alone is worth your time. And wait to hear what guest ripped his microphone off and walked off the set while the cameras were still running.

Steve and I discuss the State of Media and whether Democracy can survive the divide-to-conquer mentality seeping into politics and the media. Steve's answer. It must. Steve talks about the intersection between journalism and democracy and what matters most.

We then discuss Steve's new book John Turner, an intimate biography of Canada's 17th Prime Minister, and Steve's award-winning documentary - Return to the Warsaw Ghetto.

Tanis Feasby, the Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications at RBC, joins the show. I asked Tanis the same question I asked Steve Paikin - what must we do to preserve the truth and democracy? Tanis shares her thoughts and talks about the role Leaders of organizations must play to contribute to a narrative of possibility and positivity.

Put this show on your agenda.

To buy Steve's book on John Turner: https://www.amazon.com/John-Turner-Intimate-Biography-Minister/dp/1989555837

To learn more about Steve's documentary - Return to the Warsaw Ghetto https://www.worldcat.org/title/return-to-the-warsaw-ghetto/oclc/80599269

In the blink of an eye, the unthinkable can happen, an event in your life that cause you to ask - why me? Jane Enright survives three life-altering and tragic events in the span of a year, including a severe and sudden brain injury that left her almost speechless. This is Jane's story of how she used acceptance to acknowledge her fate and gratitude to reclaim her love of life. These moving stories are powerful lessons on managing grief, stress, loss, stagnation, indecision, and recovery.

Today, Jane Enright is the author of two books, including her bestseller - Butter Side Up-How I Survived My Most Terrible year and Created my Super Awesome Life.

Brain Awareness Week is March 13-19, 2023. Every three minutes in Canada, someone suffers a brain injury. Add to that our aging population coming to terms with degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer's, Dementia, and ALS. Wayne Bossert, Deputy Chairman of RBC Wealth and a Director of the Brain Canada Foundation, talks about how Canadian researchers are leading the way to improve brain health.

To learn more about Jane and to buy her books: https://www.janeenrightauthor.com.

To learn more about the Brain Canada Foundation: https://braincanada.ca.

I couldn't be happier with how my International Women's Day Episode turned out, as I want it to be remarkable. My Mother was my rock, my two daughters are my inspiration, my three sisters are my remaining family, and my wife rocks. I am breaking my Friday format and bringing it out today, as this is every women's day of honour and celebration.

I begin with a personal story that I share not for pity or applause for how far I have come but for context why I chose my guest and why she matters to the tens of millions of North Americans dealing with food insecurity.

Lori Nikkel came from circumstances far more challenging than mine. As a child, Lori was psychologically, physically and sexually abused. Lori left home at age 15 without a high school diploma. In her mid-twenties, with three children in tow, she was abandoned by her partner and woke up to the reality that he had left their apartment rent $10,000 in arrears.

So how did Lori become our country's most admired CEO, top 25 Women of Influence, and Order of Ontario recipient, and sitting on our Food Policy Advisory Council?

Lori found someone to believe in her, and then she believed in herself. Lori found that within her lay exceptional leadership qualities. Today Lori Nikkel is the CEO of Second Harvest, the largest food rescue organization in the country.

Lori is amazing, and what she offers you is inspiration, lessons and, most importantly, food for thought.

Andrea Barrack, Senior Vice President, Corporate Citizenship and ESG, joins the show to talk about how her mission - 'to work with others to create, amplify, and execute ideas that help organizations build a better world' - led her to RBC. After you listen to Andrea, you will know why I want to do an entire episode on her journey.

To find out more about Second Harvest: https://www.secondharvest.ca

To connect with Andrea Barrack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-c-barrack-29b95413/?originalSubdomain=ca

After conquering his addictions, Tim Stewart changes his world and others for the better.

Tim Stewart's substance abuse began at an early age. Growing up on his family's farm, which included a bar and a hotel of dubious repute, Tim abided by the family code that put work ahead of everything, including play and education. Tim's influencers were adults who introduced him to tobacco, alcohol, pot, and prostitution. Over time, the drugs and alcohol consumed his life, and Tim enlisted in the Air Force to escape. The discipline he learned on the farm and in the military, combined with his gift for the gab, enabled him to be a functional addict until harder and harder drugs took over his life. Tim went into rehab eleven times to break his substance abuse, only to fail himself and his family. At age 40, Tim's world collapsed. Homeless, with two pairs of pants, two shirts, and eight dollars in his pocket, Tim Stewart found himself on a bus to St Louis. The trip changed his life and his calling. Instead of depending on drugs, he found and chose a path where those in need could count on him. Today, his speaking handle is "TalkMan Talk." As a life coach, Tim Stewart shares what it meant to live on the street and the 12 principles that saved his life. In doing so, he hopes to make a profound difference in the lives of others.

Mark Beckles, Vice President, Social Impact and Innovation at RBC, returns to the show. As always, with grace and heart, Mark talks about their Future Launch platform and other RBC initiatives to help Canadian youth find a purposeful path in life.

To connect with Tim Stewart: https://www.talkmantalk.com

To learn more about RBC Future Launch: https://www.rbc.com/dms/enterprise/futurelaunch/

After growing up amidst the worst of humanity, Dr. Emmanuel Taban models the best of humanity.

My guest today is Emmanuel Taban. He was born in Sudan, one of the most impoverished countries in the world. He had little and lost it all before overcoming his circumstances and changing his world and ours for the better. Listen generously as his accent differs from yours, but his message is universal, powerful and inspiring.

Emmanuel Taban was among five children raised by a single mother in an environment of abject poverty and a country at civil war. A gifted student denied an education, captured, and tortured at age 14, escapes and makes his way, often on foot. His perilous odyssey took him through Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, arriving in South Africa just short of his 18th birthday. He had no passport or money.

Drawing strength from a nurse's comment when he was seven years old that he would one day become a famous doctor, Emmanuel Taban finished high school. Then he spent twelve years earning three medical degrees, including specializing as a pulmonologist. Dr. Taban has become one of Africa's most influential doctors and is renowned for challenging Western norms with his ground-breaking treatment for COVID-19. He is also very involved in improving his birth country's literacy level.

Dr. Emmanuel Taban, who wrote the book The Boy Who Never Gave Up, was awarded Africa's person of the year in 2021.

An epic and moving tale that will lift your spirits.

Amy Deacon, the Founder and CEO of Toronto Wellness Counselling, returns to Chatter that Matters to talk mind over matter and the importance of having people who believe in you.

To purchase Dr. Taban's book: https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Who-Never-Gave-Up-ebook/dp/B08YM4CKRP

I am so happy about how my interview with Jesse Palmer, the host of the Bachelor, went. Jesse is engaging, intelligent, funny and gracious, offering so much in this episode on how to make the most out of the opportunity including believing in your biggest dreams and surrounding yourself with people who believe in you. Many of you will know Jesse Palmer from the Bachelor, others from his work on Good Morning America, and sports fans will see him as only the second Canadian ever to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. I know Jesse as a friend. I met him twelve years ago when we were both on a television show called Recipe to Riches. Some fantastic lessons in life from a great human being; I encourage you to share Jesse's positive and proactive playbook to life, especially with younger generations. And I close the show with Sasha Braganza sharing breaking news on RBC X First Up. Aspiring musicians will not want to miss what Sasha has to say.

Chatter that Matters is a show that counters the storm of negativity and a growing sense of impossibility. I share inspiring stories of people who overcome their circumstances to chase their dreams and, for some, to change our world.

My guest is Dr. Talia Varley, whom I first met at the Economic Club of Canada Conference I was hosting. I was blown away by her insights and intelligence for a good reason. Dr. Varley has a Master of Public Health from Harvard University, an MD from McMaster University, and is now the Physician Lead of Advisory Services at Cleveland Clinic Canada.

My original intent with this episode was to tackle the health of corporate cultures. I wanted to understand why so many are dissatisfied at work and looking for a new path. As the interview unfolded, I realized Dr. Varley offers all of us, not just the culture leads of organizations, how to find our way to possibility and positivity.

Dr. Varley talks about how our confirmation bias often locks us in a manner where our perceptions become our reality. She talks about how we must tune out the negative to create a healthier you at home, in the community, and where we study and work. Dr. Varley also shares her thoughts on the type of leadership we need across society to inspire significant and lasting change.

To offer context, I end the show chatting with Alan Richardson, SVP of Talent Strategy and Solutions at RBC, to share his thoughts on how organizations can create purposeful and productive cultures.

We all deserve more positivity and possibility in life. Pura Vida.

Jean Muenchrath should have trusted her gut when it told her something terrible would happen during her and her boyfriend Ken's winter trek to cross-country ski on very rugged terrain, cross the 220-mile John Muir trail from Yosemite Valley to o the summit of Mount Whitney, which is the highest point in the contiguous United States at 14,505 ft (4,421 m) above sea level. To do so requires climbing and navigating 14 mountain passes.

On their final day, a week ahead of schedule, Jean and Ken are caught on the summit in a freak lightning storm that would take no prisoners. They had to scramble to get off the mountain. Scrambling is never good when facing darkness, the fury of Mother Nature, and your fastest route from being electrocuted is climbing the sheer face of the mountain.

Ken and Jean separate so Ken can push forward as a scout to mark the trail. Jean, alone, falls, suffering broken bones in her spine and pelvis. Her buttock is badly bruised, and before long, gangrene will set in.

That night, Jean makes a spiritual vow to herself that becomes the title of her book. She says: " If I live until morning, I will live my greatest dreams."

A true story of adventure, tragedy and transformation.

Amy Deacon, CEO and Founder of Toronto Wellness Counselling, joins me to unpack how the human mind can unleash superpowers at times of great distress.

To buy Jean Muenchrath's book: https://www.amazon.ca/Live-Until-Morning-Adventure-Transformation/dp/069295581X