The Smoko Podcast

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we sit down with the thoughtful and dynamic Toby Michaud, a former wildlife biologist, DEI advocate, and founder of a facilitation practice centered on inclusion, equity, and collaborative leadership. With over 25 years of experience in STEM and a deep commitment to creating systems where everyone feels seen, Toby brings a wealth of personal and professional insight.

Toby shares her unique journey from the muddy boots of fieldwork in BC’s coastal wilderness to navigating leadership roles in corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. She speaks openly about caregiving, chronic illness, and the often-invisible labor of those balancing family responsibilities with demanding careers. Through it all, she brings a perspective rooted in care, adaptability, and a fierce belief in the power of intentional, inclusive systems.

Her work shines a light on how we can foster belonging in STEM and trades, not just with policy but through everyday practices. From trauma-informed facilitation to disability-inclusive workshops, Toby offers tangible strategies for transforming workplaces and learning spaces. She reminds us that equity work isn’t a side hustle, it’s central to how we build futures that are sustainable, empowering, and human-first.

Toby Michaud:

www.linkedin.com/in/tobymichaud

Toby Michaud Facilitation & Coaching

Organizations & Ideas Mentioned in the Podcast:

• SOGI 1 2 3
  sogieducation.org
  @sogi123
• Inclusion Project by Toby Michaud
  Trauma-informed, access-centered facilitation and training
• Marbled Murrelet & Species at Risk work
  (Aka: yes, the bird is real — and adorable.)
• Equity-Centered Leadership
  Incorporating inclusive systems design, care-based leadership, and anti-oppressive practices in STEM/trade orgs

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week, we’re joined by Chelsea Barron, an Indigenous Two-Spirit Red Seal Machinist, instructor at BCIT, and advocate for representation in the trades.Chelsea shares her remarkable journey from discovering the trades through BCIT’s Women in Trades program, to becoming its first full-time female machinist instructor. Chelsea reflects on her lived experiences navigating male-dominated spaces, staying true to her identity, and creating safer, more inclusive learning environments.

We dive into the deep legacy of mentorship and community that shaped her; from her grandmother, a residential school survivor, to her mother, a 60s Scoop survivor and how those stories live on through Chelsea’s work. She also unpacks the connections between Indigenous knowledge systems and apprenticeship learning, reframing the trades as a natural continuation of traditional knowledge passed down through community.

From classroom courage to shop-floor leadership, Chelsea speaks honestly about the joys and challenges of the trade, why she believes in building not just machines, but futures, and how joy itself can be an act of resistance.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Sugarcane (2024 National Geographic documentary)
• Keeper of the Circle
• BCIT Women in Trades
• Red Seal Certification

Chelsea Barron:
Instructor, BCIT
Advisor, National Indigenous Tradeswomen Advisory Circle
Proud Two-Spirit Machinist & Community Mentor

Support & Follow Smoko:
Brought to you by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear that fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.

 www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we sit down with astrophysicist, science communicator, and STEM icon Kihana Wilson, known online as The Astro Stud.

Kihana shares her incredible journey from a curious 10-year-old discovering a life-changing astronomy book in her school library, to becoming a post-baccalaureate researcher at Argonne National Laboratory. Her research dives deep into theoretical cosmology, large-scale structure, galaxy clustering, and the mysterious realms of dark matter and dark energy. Kihana breaks it all down in a way that even space newbies can understand.

We explore the importance of simulations, her work with protoclusters and the James Webb Space Telescope, and why this moment in astronomy is so exciting. But this episode isn’t just about the cosmos, it’s about community, identity, and the power of showing up authentically in spaces that weren’t built with you in mind.

Kihana opens up about navigating physics and academia as a Black queer woman, building her own support networks, and why she believes in unapologetic representation. Her platform, The Astro Stud, is more than just science communication; it’s a love letter to her younger self and a rallying cry for others who have felt unseen in STEM. With humor, heart, and a whole lot of insight, Kihana reminds us that science should be for everyone, and that you don’t have to shrink yourself to belong.

Kihana Wilson (The Astro Stud):
Instagram @theastrostud
 
 

Mentioned in the Podcast:

• James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
• Argonne National Laboratory
• DESI: Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument

Support & Follow Smoko:
Brought to you by Peggy Workwear—workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear that fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break, we're on Smoko! This week we're joined by Brandy Kawulka, a powerhouse in the trades and a fierce advocate for women in the industry. Brandy shares her journey from studying joinery at BCIT to running her own successful renovation and contracting business: Tartan Contracting. We dive into the realities of working in the trades, the challenges women face, and the importance of transparency and education when dealing with clients.

Brandy also opens up about her podcast, All Things Renovation, where she breaks down renovation basics, interviews industry experts, and now, in her latest season, spotlights women in trades to showcase the diverse career paths within the industry. From kitchens and bathrooms to big-picture industry shifts, Brandy is on a mission to educate, empower, and inspire.

If you’ve ever thought about getting into trades, managing renovations, or simply love a good story about breaking barriers, this episode is for you.

Brandy Kawulka:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-kawulka

Tartan Contracting:

www.tartancontracting.com

All Things Renovation:

www.allthingsrenovation.com

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots. 

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by Lacey Rose and Jess Kaknevicius the founders of Women in Wood, a community that champions representation, support, and advocacy for women in the forestry sector. Jess is the CEO of Forest Canada, a national leader in restoration, education, and community engagement. Lacey is a registered forester responsible for the long-term forest management of Renfrew County Forests.

Lacey and Jess speak to their journey into the forestry sector, their experience, and current responsibilities. We dive into misconceptions of forestry and the role forest management plays in terms of climate change and sustainability. 

Lacey and Jess share how their passion for forestry and community building led them to create Women in Wood, a space where women can connect, share stories, and find support in a male-dominated industry. From humble beginnings with a small Facebook group to becoming a global network, Women in Wood has sparked a movement of inclusivity and empowerment.

This episode dives deep into the importance of mentorship, representation, and the strength of community. Jess and Lacey talk candidly about their experiences working in the forest, the emotional journey of breaking barriers, and their vision for the future of forestry. 

Lacey Rose:

www.linkedin.com/in/lacey-rose/

Jess Kaknevicius:

www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-kaknevicius-00431525/

Women in Wood:

www.womeninwood.ca

www.instagram.com/womeninwood/

www.facebook.com/groups/342181032648888/

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots. 

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we sit down with Sophia Malbarosa known online as Pia Builds. Pia is a multidisciplinary artist turned carpenter, professor, and advocate for representation in the trades. Pia’s story begins with her first love: dance. After injuries sidelined her dream of becoming a professional ballerina, she sought new ways to channel her creativity, which led her to discover a passion for carpentry and set design.

 Pia shares how her time in the carpentry shop reawakened her creative spirit, as she realized that building with her hands held the same artistry and fulfillment as expressing herself through movement. From the first time she picked up a power tool to teaching carpentry at Humber College, Pia’s journey is a testament to the resilience and reinvention needed to thrive in male-dominated spaces.

 Pia discusses her experiences as a Filipina woman navigating the trades, from facing micro-aggressions in the workplace to finding power in her cultural heritage. She candidly reflects on how embracing her authentic self has not only empowered her but also inspired her students. As a professor, Pia focuses on creating safe, inclusive learning spaces where students feel supported, free to make mistakes, and encouraged to bring their full selves into the workshop.

 Pia also shares moving stories about her art installations, including a collaborative piece called Weaving Waves. This project blended textiles, steel, and video projections to explore themes of cultural identity, storytelling, and belonging. For Pia, creativity transcends medium—whether she’s in a carpentry shop, a theater, or teaching a class, her passion for storytelling and connection shines through.

 Whether you're passionate about art, trades, or education, Pia’s episode will inspire you to see the intersections between these worlds and encourage you to embrace the power of your unique story.

Pia:

www.instagram.com/piabuilds/

www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-malbarosa/

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots. 

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we sit down with 2023 Churchill Fellow Polly Britten, a woman in trades advocate. Polly speaks to her involvement in the NextGen Tradies - Try a Trade Program, as well as her transformative research on gender equity in skilled trades education.

Polly’s study, aimed to highlight how we can create a more inclusive and empowering future for young people in non-traditional careers. Her study highlights key areas for growth, including the need for earlier exposure to trades careers, better representation of women and non-binary professionals in leadership roles, and a shift in outdated perceptions surrounding skilled trades.

She offers clear, actionable solutions. From integrating trades education into school curriculums at an earlier age to encouraging mentorship programs and community partnerships, her recommendations are both practical and inspiring. She paints an optimistic picture of an industry ready to embrace change, with data-driven strategies that can make a lasting difference.

Polly reminds us that while change takes effort, it’s achievable—and it starts with small, intentional steps from educators, policymakers, and industry leaders alike.

Polly Britten:

www.linkedin.com/in/polly-britten-79160570/

 
Polly’s Study:

www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/polly-britten-vic-2023/

NextGen Tradies Program
www.highlandsllen.org

 
Organizations Mentioned in the Podcast:

Apprenticeship Support Australia

apprenticeshipsupport.com.au

@apprenticeshipsupportaustralia

 
Women's Health Grampians

whg.org.au

@womenshealthgrampians

BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology)

bcit.ca

@britishcolumbiaiit

 
Girls’ Day (Germany)

girls-day.de

@girlsday_de

 Build A Dream (Canada)

webuildadream.com

@webuildadream


Jill Of All Trades (Canada)

jillofalltrades.college

@jillofalltrades


Boss Ladies (Denmark)

boss-ladies.dk

@bossladiesdk

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots. 

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We’re honoured to sit down with Aria Joughin, the founder of Make With, a queer-owned learning center dedicated to equipping individuals—especially women, queer, trans, and BIPOC folks—with essential hands-on skills in home maintenance, repair, emergency preparedness, and self-sufficiency.  Aria shares the story behind the creation of Make With, born from a moment of reflection amid the chaos of climate instability, economic uncertainty, and a world grappling with rapid change.

 Aria dives into their mission of creating an inclusive and supportive space where anyone can learn practical skills, build confidence, and adapt to our ever-shifting reality. With a focus on collective resilience, Aria explains how teaching pragmatic, problem-solving abilities isn't just about fixing things—it's about instilling a sense of capability, independence, and empowerment that spills over into every aspect of life.

Throughout the conversation, Aria reflects on the importance of adaptability, the power of vulnerability in leadership, and how community-building begins with honest conversations and mutual support. She shares insights into the barriers marginalized communities face when it comes to accessing these skills and how Make With is breaking down those barriers one workshop at a time.

 This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainability, community resilience, and creating inclusive spaces where learning and growth go hand in hand. Tune in to hear how Aria is not only teaching people to use tools but also empowering them to build stronger, more connected communities—one skill at a time.

 
Aria Joughin:

www.linkedin.com/in/aria-joughin-46a38b33/

Make With:

www.makewithpdx.com

www.instagram.com/makewithpdx

 
Workshops:

www.makewithpdx.com/workshops

Women/Queer/BIPOC Service Provider Directory: www.directory.makewithpdx.com/directory

 The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots. 

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by Rosa and Mathilde, co-presidents of the Student Association for Geography, Geomatics, and the Environment (SAGE). Together, they share their passion for environmental science, their leadership journeys, and the transformative impact of building a thriving student community focused on sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration.

 Mathilde reflects on her research in environmental restoration, studying carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels across reclaimed aggregate and gravel pits in Southern Ontario​. She shares her love for fieldwork, the challenges of balancing research with leadership, and the thrill of discovery that comes with hands-on science. Meanwhile, Rosa discusses her passion for environmental entrepreneurship, inspired by companies tackling climate adaptation through innovative technologies​. She envisions a future where research and business intersect to create sustainable solutions for global environmental challenges.

 They dives deep into their leadership roles at SAGE, highlighting key initiatives like the Unite Behind the Science journal club—a space for students to explore environmental research topics, build public speaking confidence, and foster cross-disciplinary discussions​. Rosa and Mathilde candidly share their personal growth stories—how stepping into leadership roles pushed them out of their comfort zones, helped them discover their strengths, and taught them the value of balancing visionary ideas with realistic execution​. From the challenges of student engagement to the joy of seeing peers light up at successful events, they reveal the highs and lows of leading a community-driven organization.

 This episode is a celebration of youth leadership, the power of grassroots initiatives, and the incredible impact of students passionate about environmental change. Join us for an engaging conversation about research, leadership, and the importance of building bridges between environmental science, business, and community action.

 
Mathilde Tremblay:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathilde-trem/

Rosa Fragomeni:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosa-fragomeni-390806232/

Student Association for Geography and Environment (SAGE):

https://www.linkedin.com/company/utmsage/

 The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots. 

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We’re joined by the multi-talented Lindsay Reynolds, the founding president of Hancock & MacArthur, and the host of the She Wears Work Boots podcast​. 

 From her early days studying civil engineering to finding her passion on active construction sites, Lindsay shares candid reflections on overcoming the fear of failure, discovering her love for project management, and ultimately taking the step to start her own business as an owner’s representative construction project manager​.

 Fueled by her experiences and a deep desire to foster connection and representation, Lindsay launched She Wears Work Boots, a podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices of women in construction. Lindsay dives into the power of storytelling, the importance of community, and the ongoing challenges women face in male-dominated spaces​.

 Lindsay discusses the enigma of women in construction—the complex, sometimes frustrating, and often deeply rewarding journey of navigating gender biases and cultural shifts within the industry​. She highlights the importance of creating spaces where men can engage meaningfully in conversations about equity and representation. Join us for an unforgettable conversation about breaking barriers, building bridges, and the transformative power of storytelling in the trades. 

 
Lindsay Reynolds:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-reynolds-392b1649/

She Wears Work Boots:

https://www.instagram.com/shewearswb/

https://open.spotify.com/show/6FofefQsxdwwhIJKMpOYxk

 The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots. 

www.peggyworkwear.ca