By Cyn and Isaac
The podcast currently has 42 episodes available.
In our final episode of season three, we are finishing off with a powerhouse of a guest. Fae Johnstone (They/She) is Executive Director and Co-Owner of Wisdom2Action (W2A). She is an experienced community engagement expert, diversity and inclusion consultant, and project manager. Over her past two years working with W2A, Fae has led local, provincial, and national initiatives focused on 2SLGBTQ+ community health and wellness, youth mental health, meaningful community engagement, and gender-based violence. Also, she's been on a chocolate bar.
"We are having to wake up to how precarious our progress is."After having her likeness depicted Hershey's chocolate bars a part of their International Women's Day promotion, Fae became the focal point of an international boycott targeting Hershey's. The homophobic and transphobic vitriol exploded from the far-right ecosystem online, only 72 hours after sharing a post to her Twitter. In the following days and weeks, Fae's face, name, and entire life story was published online and being picked apart by the likes of Rebel News and Tucker Carlson.
In today's conversation, we hear all about this tumultuous time in Fae's life, reflecting on what her experience says about anti-trans conspiracies fomenting in far-right circles here in Canada. Even in the face of unbelievable adversity, Fae continues her essential work as a key voice for Queer and Trans rights in Canada today.
Hey, Cis! Connected Communities Moment - Thriveworks:
This summer, Thriveworks will be connecting with rural communities across Atlantic Canada to talk about 2SLGBTQIA+ career opportunities. We want to hear from you what it is that you need to achieve your career goals, so reach out to us on our social media to share your thoughts!
Find us on:
Links:
Music:
Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself
Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP
Website: http://www.Craymo.com
This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm
Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)
Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io
For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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In this episode, Cyn and Isaac kick off summer with their book reviewer friend, Abbey Campbell (she/her), who shares some of the most exciting new publications to hit the world of Queer literature. Looking for a good novel to take on vacation, or something to read with your morning coffee? Then tune in, because Abbey and the team at Hey, Cis! have you covered!
Did one of the books we talk about in this episode catch your interest?
Featured Texts (with appropriate content warnings):
Hey, Cis! Connected Communities Summer Reading Give-Away:
We’ve shared a few of our picks, now let’s hear from you!
What Queer reads are on your list for summer 2023? Have a recommendation for Hey, Cis! Listeners? Share it here for your chance to WIN a gift voucher for $25.00 CAD to one of our favourite Queer bookstores, Venus Envy.
To Enter:
Share one of your Queer Summer Reading recommendations, along with your name, address and contact details on the entry form below between now and June 30, 2023 at 12pm.
Winner will be randomly drawn and contacted within 24 hours of the draw to receive their virtual gift voucher. No purchase necessary. No cash value and not redeemable for cash.
Check out the contest page for more information.
Contest runs 12 a.m. June 7, 2023 to 12 p.m. on June 30, 2023.
Entry Form Link: https://forms.gle/qxLc9YikFn7kzSc29
Music:
Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself
Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP
Website: http://www.Craymo.com
This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm
Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)
Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io
For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Today, Cyn and Isaac are joined by Kate Lum-Potvin (she/her) and Dr. Frank Sileo (he/his), co-authors of the new children's book, Pride and Joy: A Story About Becoming a LGBTQIA+ Ally. In this conversation, Kate and Dr. Sileo explain the reasons why they decided to write a book on allyship from the perspective of a young child, and their hopes for the impact it may have.
The story follows a young Joy who, after witnessing an act of homophobia targeted at her older brother Noah, is compelled to help in any way she can. The book introduces young readers to the concept of allyship gently, with resources for teachers and parents to help facilitate further learning and discussion.
Pride and Joy will be available on May 18, 2023 at major book retailers, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Show links:
- Hey, Cis! TD Connected Community Moment: Enter for a chance to win a Hey, Cis! Prize Pack by leaving a message on SpeakPipe
- Preorder or purchase Pride and Joy: A Story About Becoming a LGBTQIA+ Ally
Music:
Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself
Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP
Website: http://www.Craymo.com
This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm
Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)
Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io
For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Just in time for the Trans Day of Visibility, Isaac (They/He) sits down with Simply Good Form Director of Program Development Emma Stanley (She/Her), to talk about the challenges surrounding and importance of living visibly. Given the recent rise of anti-Trans legislation and sentiment, Isaac and Emma discuss the increased importance of this year's TDoV.
The two discuss the barriers people face when trying to live visibly and the reasons why it is so important to see members of the Trans community succeeding in the more mundane aspects of life, drawing from their own lived experiences for context.
Also in this episode, Emma shares an upcoming skills program called Thrive, which aims to help Trans and gender-diverse community members find careers that will encourage and support them to live authentically. This program includes resume building, a mock interview, and tips on how to determine if a prospective employer is serious about inclusion.
Show links:
- Hey, Cis! TD Connected Community Moment: Simply Good Form's Name and Gender Marker Change Pathway & Clinics
- Check out THRIVE: Careers and Resiliency for registration and more info.
- Da'Shaun (They/Them) on Twitter: "To be visibly Queer is to choose your happiness over your safety."
Music:
Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself
Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP
Website: http://www.Craymo.com
This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm
Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)
Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io
For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
In this episode, Isaac (He/They) and Cyn (She/Her) have an energy-packed conversation with the first openly transgender Canadian woman to win the Rhodes Scholarship. Julia Levy (She/Her), joins us from British Columbia and shares with us her thoughts on a scholarship that is not without its historical controversy, and not originally intended for someone like her. As Julia comes to terms with the award, before heading to Oxford University and putting it to good use; she dives deep into the intersections of being trans in a science-based leadership role. From harm-reduction and trans care, to accessible chemistry educational software, Julia's a Chemist with intention on making an impact in her community.
Show links:
- Hey, Cis! TD Connected Community Moment: Celebrating scholarships, if you’re a soon-to-be High School Graduate and involved with Pflag Canada, be sure to connect with your local Chapter before March 20th to have your name put forward for the Ted Rogers Scholarship.
- https://about.rogers.com/our-impact/ted-rogers-scholarships/
- Pflag Canada Chapters - https://pflagcanada.ca/
- TD Scholarship opportunities: https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/solutions/student-banking/community-leadership-scholarship-for-canadians
Produced and edited in-house.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm
Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
MUSIC:
Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself
Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP
Website: http://www.Craymo.com
For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Mariat Jibril leads with love and her leadership is infectious.
In this latest episode of Hey, Cis! Isaac (he/they) and Cyn (she/her) join Mariat Jibril (she/her) in Vancouver, British Columbia and have a coast-to-coast conversation about being a Black, queer advocate and financial professional working in equity, diversity and inclusion.
"I think we can love and we can lead with love and we can lead with love. You just like being a leader in any organization. You've got to have empathy. If you can live with empathy, then you can never be a leader." MariatAs interest rates hike upwards with unrelenting stamina, we’re thinking about how our identities impacts our ability to access financial stability.
“Human rights are a part of financial rights,’ says Mariat Jibril, who joins Isaac and Cyn to explore financial stability and how connecting with community is impacting LGBTQ2+, Black, Indigenous, People of colour, Youths, Women, Non-Binary and Persons with disabilities in Canada.Mariat is the Regional Manager of LGBTQ2+ Business Development at TD Bank Group. She divides her time between British Columbia and Yukon Territory and is a CGLCC LGBT+ Business Advocate finalist 2022; where Cyn had the pleasure of first connecting with her.
Mariat advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion. As a black, queer influencer, Mariat has a passion for creating success for business owners, and the community at large.
Perspectives, insights and resources we loved talking about in this episode.
Show links:
Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)
Producer: Connor Samson (He/Him) podstarter.io
HeyCis.com
The Bridge Blog at Simply Good Form Inc.: TD Connected Communities Moment and Black History Month through a Queer lens
Pflag Canada
Connect with Mariat Jibril on Twitter, LinkedIn
Linktree
Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
MUSIC:
Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself
Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP
For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
“I thought I'm pretty good at what I do. Am I prepared to sacrifice all of that? And why should I have to?“
In this episode, Terri McDowell (She/Her), a Saskatchewan-born, C-Suite business leader gets vulnerable about what is was like transitioning in and on the job, in a profession that's male, cisgender dominant; and she shows us how she is inspiring transgender people professionally, through ‘the art of the possible.’
A Partner & Principal at financial advisory firm Ernst and Young (EY), Terri vulnerably shares, as a transgender woman, challenges and triumphs of her own personal gender transition on the job in a male and cisgender dominated profession, and provides tips on being allies on-the-job and how to avoid corporate pink-washing in an historically challenging period for transgender human rights worldwide.
Show links:
- Hey, Cis! TD Connected Community Moment: https://www.menti.com/alkb4uo5chb8 to participate. Then click here for results.
- Terri’s CGLCC Business Leader of the Year award:
- https://www.simplygoodform.ca/blog/peak-inside-the-Black-and-White-Gala
- https://www.cglcc.ca/2022/11/16/business-leadership-award-winners-2022/
- Vulnerability of transgender human rights and anti-trans legislation:
Produced and edited in-house.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm
Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
MUSIC:
Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself
Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP
Website: http://www.Craymo.com
For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Books, tunes and gratitude. Welcome to the final episode of 2022 as we get festive with a Hey, Cis! Year-in-Review.
This episode is hosted by Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (He/They), with Emma Stanley (She/Her).
Emma joins the show from Thailand, and we have to say we're a little envious of her 'winter attire'. In this episode we wanted to reflect back on a rollercoaster year and share some laughs, successes and our gratitude for all our followers and listeners.
You'll remember Emma from our Season 2 episodes on travel this Spring:
Connected Communities Feature:
In partnership with TD Bank Group...drum roll.... we are excited to add a little jingle in your nog this month, with Episode 35 and an accompanying Queer Cheer playlist, tween and teen book recommendations and more. And we need to hear from you!
BONUS! Head over to the blog post and download our Top Tunes for the Hols, AND great reads for Queer tweens and teens for the holiday season, thanks to recommendations from two local Queer-owned stores Venus Envy and Cape and Cowl Comics and Collectibles.
Plus, who wouldn't want to see our kitschy team snowscape, cheese-ball recording photos (because, we've no shame. Why would we?)?
SHOW NOTES:
Simply Good Form has been named a Finalist in the upcoming Halifax Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year of Award! Check out all the amazing business finalists here.
Cyn is a cis, straight beyond binary educator and author passionate about 'beyond binary' inclusion and breaking heteronormative and gender-normative practices. As a mother, storyteller and community writer, Cynthia is inspired by peoples stories - and listening fully. In 1998 Cynthia was told by a Supervisor that she has a 'tendency to go against the grain,' when it came to her 'drive to complete projects'. It wasn't meant as a compliment. Something her 28-year-old self couldn't realize at the time, was that this is one of her super powers. She's grateful everyday for the work she is doing.
Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Isaac Cook is a transgender, non-binary, queer person with a passion for making change. With a degree in Linguistics and Criminology, Isaac has more than seven years of communications, marketing and web development experience with a particular passion for STEM- focused and non-profit organizations. Outside of their work with Cyn at Simply Good Form Inc., Isaac enjoys cooking, travelling, astrology and hanging out with his dogs Aspen and Timber.
Produced and edited in-house.
Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm
MUSIC:
Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself
Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP
Website: http://www.Craymo.com
Diversity flows beneath the waters off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia and above the surface in Atlantic Canada. Alexa Goodman (They/Them) and Aaron Judah (He/Him) both with MEOPAR and ocean sciences; know the importance of inclusion and representation within STEM; and they're making waves.
It's a fast hour packed with great insight into inclusion and belonging and shifting the narrative in the Ocean Sciences and STEM. In this episode we chat with Alexa Goodman and Aaron Judah.
Join this conversation by taking part in our Connecting Communities Word Cloud! Show us how many diverse salty dogs we've out there tuning in!
Alexa Goodman (They/Them), is a marine manager passionate about doing good for our planet and its people by shifting awareness into action, using curiosity, compassion and strong project management to lead the way. They joined the MEOPAR team in May 2021 as Training Program Manager to equip the next generation of marine researchers with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in their careers. Alexa is a scientist, intersectional environmental activist, practising yogi, and a driving force in managing abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear, also called ‘ghost gear’.
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Aaron (he/him/his) is a gay, mixed (Indian-Italian-Middle Eastern), bi-religious (Bene Israel Judaism-Roman Catholic) marine ecologist who focuses on the functionality of marine ecosystems under human impacts and global change. If you've ever scratched head around intersectionality and the impacts of minority identities with STEM and beyond.
Diving picts of Aaron in action alongside Alexa can be seen over at the BLOG along with our Community Connection Game. Read their full bios and more here.
SHOW NOTES:
Simply Good Form has been named a Finalist in the upcoming Halifax Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year of Award! Check out all the amazing business finalists here. On November 11th, Cyn attended the CGLCC 2022 Business Leaders Awards as a Finalist in the Business Advocate of Year Award. Check out some photos from the night and see a long list of game-changers and incredible leaders from across Turtle Island.
This episode is hosted by Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (He/They).
Cyn is a cis, straight beyond binary educator and author passionate about 'beyond binary' inclusion and breaking heteronormative and cisnormative practices. As a mother, storyteller and community writer, Cynthia is inspired by peoples stories - and listening fully. In 1998 Cynthia was told by a Supervisor that she has a 'tendency to go against the grain,' when it came to her 'drive to complete projects'. It wasn't meant as a compliment. Something her 28-year-old self couldn't realize at the time, was that this is one of her super powers. She's grateful everyday for the work she is doing.
Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Isaac Cook is a transgender, non-binary, queer person with a passion for making change. With a degree in Linguistics and Criminology, Isaac has more than seven years of communications, marketing and web development experience with a particular passion for STEM- focused and non-profit organizations. Outside of their work with Cyn at Simply Good Form Inc., Isaac enjoys cooking, travelling, astrology and hanging out with his dogs Aspen and Timber.
Produced and edited in-house.
Proudly sponsored by TD Bank Group.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm
MUSIC:
Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself
Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP
Website: http://www.Craymo.com
Kwe’! It is Mi'kmaq History Month throughout the province of Nova Scotia and Hey, Cis! is celebrating... and learning... together with our special guest, Kassidy Bernard (they/them/Nekem). Kassidy Bernard is an L’nu and Scottish Two-Spirit youth from We’koqma’q. Kassidy grew up in Unama’ki, one of the seven ancestral districts of Mi’kma’ki.
'In my twenty-five years of life, I’ve grown and made connections within my L’nu, Two-Spirit, and creative communities. I continue to unlearn colonial standards to make room for my L’nu worldview which prioritizes humor, rest, and community care. This is reflected in my relationships; creations in design, illustration, and podcasting; and in my continued learning in body literacy, birthwork, foraging, and whatever else my neurodivergent mind desires!'
In addition to being a co-owner of Patuo’kn Illustration and Design with their older sister Kaylyn, Kassidy holds an elected role as Indigenous Rep for CFS-NS.
After six years living in Kjipuktuk, and attending NSCAD University, they moved back home. It was in Kjipuktuk that they say they blossomed, and are thankful to the supportive community of friends that formed around them. Kassidy now lives happily at the foot of Apitusa’, the mountain that looks over the lake in We’koqma’q.
To learn more about Kassidy's favourite music, film recommendations and more, head over to our blog The Bridge on Saturday!
Credits
You can connect with Kassidy:
This episode is hosted by Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (He/They).
Cyn is a cis, straight beyond binary educator and author focusing on 'beyond binary' inclusion and breaking heteronormative and cisnormative practices. As a storyteller and community writer Cynthia is inspired by peoples stories - and listening fully. In her late 20s she felt insulted to be described as a 'bull in china shop,' when it came to pushing barriers and cutting through red tape. More than two decades on, she realizes it's served as one of her best assets in role-modelling for her 3 children and family.
Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Isaac Cook is a transgender, non-binary, queer person with a passion for making change. With a degree in Linguistics and Criminology, Isaac has more than six years of communications, marketing and web development experience with a particular passion for STEM- focused and non-profit organizations. Outside of his work with Cyn at Simply Good Form Inc., Isaac enjoys cooking, travelling, astrology and hanging out with his dogs Aspen and Timber.
Produced and edited in-house.
Proudly sponsored by TD Bank Group.
MUSIC:
Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself
Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP
Website: http://www.Craymo.com
The podcast currently has 42 episodes available.