Jenna Sudds’ career has spanned public service, municipal leadership, and now federal politics. She’s been a dedicated advocate for families, economic growth, and building strong, inclusive communities. But as a woman in politics, she also faces the harsh realities of online hostility, intense scrutiny, and the disproportionate aggression directed at women in leadership.

In this conversation, we’ll explore what it really means to be a woman in politics in 2025 — how Jenna navigates the challenges of her role, the support systems that help her thrive, and what needs to change to ensure more women not only enter politics but stay and succeed. But beyond the political arena, we’ll also talk about life outside of work — how she manages to leave politics at the office in an all-consuming job, and what she does to be present as a mom and wife while balancing the demands of leadership.

Arielle Meloul is Canada’s largest airline’s Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs. She’s been recognized as one of Canada’s 100 most powerful women in business and is responsible for over 35,000 employees at Air Canada, where she’s also helping to bolster the future of Women in Aviation. We are thrilled to have Arielle with us on The Honest Talk today!

How would you feel about living on Mars? For some, the idea of 300 days in isolation might sound daunting. For others, like today’s guest, it’s a challenge worth embracing.

Dr. Kelly Haston is no stranger to adventure. As the commander of NASA’s first Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog, or CHAPEA, she spent 378 days inside a 3D-printed habitat that mimicked life on Mars. Today, she’s sharing what it was like to step inside that simulated environment, close the door behind her, and leave Earth — mentally, if not physically — for over a year.

Today is going to be different here on The Honest Talk. Usually, you’re accustomed to hearing a guest on the podcast, but today, Jen and Catherine decided that they would end 2024 with a little conversation about the year that was – because it has been quite a year.

They also wanted to make sure that you – our audience and our listeners – know just how grateful we are that you are a part of this journey with us every step of the way as we’ve continued to build and evolve The Honest Talk.

As we wind down for the holiday season, we hope you enjoy this specialty episode of the podcast!

Kris Depencier has been immersed in the financial world for almost her entire career, working her way through the ranks at RBC to become Executive Vice President, Regional Banking, Personal. But Kris’ dedication to helping clients achieve financial stability and success is matched by her deep investment in making positive change for all.

She has consistently worked to create safe, inclusive workplaces within RBC and initiated tough internal conversations about women’s health that help generate progressive change.

Jenn has had quite a journey from starting the company as a side hustle in her basement to seeing her products sold in Sephora stores across Canada and JCPenney stores in the United States. She’s been on Dragon’s Den and has big plans for the future. She joined us for this exciting episode of The Honest Talk to tell us all about it.

It may come as a surprise that, in 2024, we are still having conversations about gender equality. But, the truth is that equality remains an illusion for many women.

In this latest episode of The Honest Talk podcast, best-selling author and award-winning journalist Elizabeth Renzetti joins Jen and Catherine to better understand why. For years, Liz worked for the Globe and Mail, where she was a reporter, an editor, and a columnist. Her latest book, What She Said: Conversations About Equality, has just been released, and we are really thrilled to have her on the podcast to tell us all about it.

On this episode of The Honest Talk podcast, Jennifer and Catherine sit down with Chinyere Eni. Not only is she Head of RBC Origins, but she’s also had a really interesting career path, which has seen her embrace her own heritage while creating an inclusive professional space for others along the way.

She also has an incredible personal story. She’s overcome cancer and an amputation, and we all have a lot to learn from her courage and leadership.

Since she was a little girl, Mitzie Hunter has used her voice to make a big difference. Whether around the kitchen table with her three brothers, working with community organizations, or later at Ontario’s provincial cabinet table, Mitzie has always focused on solutions.

Recently, Mitzie was appointed president and CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation, Canada’s public foundation for gender justice and equality, an organization we’re proud to call a partner here at The Honest Talk.

Mitzie spoke with Jen and Catherine about her new professional mission and how she’s helping other women lift their voices to make change.

In this episode, Jen and Catherine chat with Vinita Savani, who has moved her way up the ranks at RBC since starting with Canada’s largest bank in 1997.

Not only has Vinita stayed with RBC ever since, but she’s now their Senior Vice President of Personal Lending and Auto Finance. Along the way, she’s learned how to use her voice, mentor others, and be mentored. She’s established boundaries that have allowed her to become a truly successful professional and a dedicated mom and spouse.