TELUS Talks with Tamara Taggart

The classic image of the sleepy teen who can barely get out of bed isn’t just a tired cliché. It also captures a very real and urgent problem in our society, say sleep consultants and psychotherapists Heather Turgeon and Julie Wright. The bestselling authors of The Happy Sleeper and Generation Sleepless join Tamara to discuss the hidden epidemic of sleeplessness among high schoolers, why that’s a concern, and what needs to change so we can all enjoy the health benefits of a good night’s sleep.

Faced with a lack of diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, award-winning Canadian TV director and screenwriter Nathalie Younglai decided to do something about it. The founder of BIPOC TV and Film shares her journey from harpist to creator, the changes that need to happen in the screen industry, and the small steps we can each take to help push for an entertainment industry that reflects us all.

Alvin Law has an enviable career as one of Canada’s most sought-after inspirational speakers and bestselling author, and enjoys a loving family life. But in 1960, when he was born without arms as a result of the infamous morning sickness medication thalidomide, many viewed his future success as impossible. He sits down with Tamara to share his passion for challenging labels, discuss his incredible life story from abandoned infant to two-time Hall of Famer – and show off his amazing drumming skills.

For author Melissa Febos, memoir isn’t just personal – it’s political, powerful and transformative. The associate professor at the University of Iowa and bestselling author of four books, including Girlhood and Body Work, sits down with Tamara for an intimate discussion about confronting societal taboos; sparking necessary conversations about women’s bodies and sexuality; and why sharing shame and trauma can build, and heal, community.

Over the past decade, award-winning reporter Brandi Morin has been sharing stories from the frontlines of Indigenous issues, helping to spark change and Reconciliation. The self-described justice journalist and author of Our Voice of Fire sits down with Tamara to share her journey from teenage runaway to renowned reporter, her traumatic experience as a survivor of gender-based violence and why the work of healing is essential for us all.

Born and raised in Haida Gwaii, Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson is many things: a member of the Raven Clan from the Haida Nation, an award-winning singer, a prominent environmental lawyer and an activist. But, as she explains to Tamara, she simply calls herself an advocate for the earth and culture. She shares how she brings her unique perspective to her wide-ranging work, from her musical collaborations with rock star Bill Henderson to her historic legal victories for Indigenous People’s rights.

When Jessica Moorhouse graduated in the midst of a recession armed with a BFA in Film Studies, she realized she was in dire need of money management skills. Fast-forward 13 years, and today she’s an accredited financial counsellor, recognized millennial money expert and host of the hugely popular More Money Podcast. She sits down with Tamara to share her essential tips for money health, and discuss how her journey from arts kid to personal finance guru shows how anyone can achieve financial literacy.