Unapologetically Canadian

This week, I discuss the necessity of celebrating, connecting to the community and staying active. I also speak with Penelope Arnold, whose story "The Imposter" got longlisted for the CBC writers' prize. I was extra excited to speak with Arnold because she works in Orangeville, where I grew up. We talk about anorexia, addiction, writing and missing home. 

In this episode, I talk about continuing to grow despite a worldwide pandemic. I also interview Glen Sharp from Sharp Innovation Solutions about the risks and benefits of technology, the importance of developing your personal assets and the importance of local communities.

I'm in strategic planning mode this week, so it's a good time to listen to copywriter and Abbotsford resident Robyn Roste. Robyn is on a campaign to get writers to collaborate more readily and her tips and tricks had The Write Life name her blog as one of the 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2020 earlier this year. Hope you enjoy our conversation.

This week, Unapologetically Canadian features an interview with family historian and quilter Mary Sutherland. Mary tells us about the art shows, retreats and charity, all featuring quilts. To read the show notes, refer to https://traceyarial.com/blog/mary-sutherland.

This week, I interviewed Dave Howard, an expert in strategic customer education for anyone offering software as a service. Dave's experience in videography, software creation and online courses gives him the background he needs to help his clients teach users to get the most out of their technology. 

This week, I interview food entrepreneur Jo Notkin about her life as the owner of Zoe Ford catering, her experience on Top Chef Canada and her appreciation for Montreal. Also, today is the last day for Canadian entrepreneurs to apply to Startup Canada's export challenge. 

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Lori Straus about how she's created a profitable business through both fiction and nonfiction writing. She's the author of the Between Worlds series, a historical modern mashup for 12-year-old girls and their moms. She's also a translator and copywriter for international brands in Germany and Canada. For the shownotes, refer to https://traceyarial.com/blog/Lori-Straus.

Thanks to Dorothy Nixon for a great far-reaching conversation about Canadian history, the suffragettes, a freelance writers’ life and growing up in Montreal during the Expo ‘67 era. Refer to the show notes at https://traceyarial.com/blog/dorothy-nixon for links to the books, articles and songs mentioned in the interview.

This is a diary episode of what I am experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. I don't mention worry, but it's there, as is uncertainty. When I recorded this, I hadn't checked recent stats but we actually now have 1,629 cases of COVID-19 in Quebec, with most of those in Montreal where I live. I'm trying to adopt a positive mindset, get enough sleep, eat well and build good habits. How are you coping? For the show notes, visit https://traceyarial.com/blog/covid-19-solo-diary/.