The Honest Talk

Today's guest is the kind of woman who doesn’t just break glass ceilings – she crushes them under her combat boots. Lieutenant-General Lise Bourgon is a trailblazer in uniform, and was one of the highest-ranking women in the Canadian Armed Forces.

She is a true pioneer, and her career is a testament to discipline, resilience, and the power of purposeful leadership. She has spent her life breaking barriers and opening doors for the next generation of women in service – and beyond, and we are so excited she was able to join us on this episode of The Honest Talk podcast!

In this episode of The Honest Talk, we’re switching things up – no personality profile, no spotlight interview. Instead, we’re having a conversation about conversations.

It’s a delicate time in history. Tension, volatility, and change seem to surround us – at home, at work, and in our social circles. How do we stay connected when we disagree? And how do we bridge divides in ways that are respectful, thoughtful, and real? How can we have productive conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion?

To help us explore these questions, we’re joined by Mante Molepo – a leader, writer, and ambassador who has dedicated her career to creating more equitable workplaces, communities, and conversations.

Today on the show, we’re joined by a trailblazer in Canadian politics – Christy Clark. Christy made history as the 35th premier of British Columbia and became the first woman in the province to be elected premier by the people.

Though she’s stepped away from active politics, she hasn’t stepped out of public life. In this episode, we dive into her journey through political leadership, what it was like raising her son in the public eye, the tough lessons she’s learned along the way – and yes, her secret to mixing a mean cocktail.

We're stepping into the sultry, smoky world of jazz in this episode — and who better to guide us than the incomparable Holly Cole? Known for her distinctive voice and unforgettable style, Holly has been captivating audiences in Canada and around the world for decades. Join us as we sit down with this iconic artist to talk music, creativity, and the magic of making a song your own.

Canada's Nicole Havrda is burning up the race track for F1 Academy here at home, but also right around the world. She is a rising force in motor sport, she's a young driver, she's very fast, and she is breaking expectations for women in racing. At just 19, she's already making headlines, and we're so excited to have Nicole joining us on The Honest Talk podcast!

From starting out at RBC to becoming Executive VP and Head of Private Banking, Kim Mason has climbed the corporate ladder with purpose – and more than a few reinventions along the way.

She’s been named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women, a Top 50 CEO by Atlantic Business Magazine, and one of Canada’s Top 25 Women of Influence.

In this episode, Kim joins us to talk about career growth, what reinvention really looks like – and the values that keep her grounded at the top.

Meghan Roach may just have one of the coolest jobs in Canada. She's the president and CEO of Roots, the iconic Canadian brand, which is known for its leather, its cabin vibes and the timeless sweats we all grew up loving.

But she is more than just a fashion CEO. She's actually a small town girl from Pembroke, Ontario who became one of the youngest female CEOs of a publicly traded company in Canada, and she's done it with purpose and with grit, and also a lot of heart.

Today, we talk to Megan about leading in a crisis, making bold choices, why being underestimated can actually be a superpower. We also dive into what it takes to lead a beloved brand into the future while also staying true to your roots.

Today on the podcast, we're joined by a truly fascinating guest — Marcy Grossman, Canada’s first female Jewish ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. Marcy’s career in diplomacy is impressive on its own, but what makes her story even more compelling is where it began — in a jail. And no, not in the way you might think.

We first met Marcy in Montreal and were immediately struck by her honesty, humour, and the bold way she’s carved out her own path. In this episode, she opens up about her unconventional journey, from working in corrections to navigating the world of foreign affairs — and all the pivotal moments, pressures, and personal reinventions along the way.

Jen and Catherine are back for another catch-up episode! In today’s chat, they reflect on a busy week in Toronto, from election night insights to attending a cut-throat Sens vs. Leafs hockey game. They also dive into the growing momentum behind women’s professional sports in Canada, shifting perceptions of women’s bodies in sport, and how cultural expectations are evolving for the next generation. You don’t want to miss it!

Women’s sports are having a moment – and in Canada, that momentum is only growing. From the rise of women’s hockey to the launch of a brand-new professional soccer league, the game is changing fast.

In this episode, we sit down with Christina Litz, president of the Northern Super League, who’s leading the charge to bring pro women’s soccer to cities across Canada.