In this special episode Stephanie sits down with her long time client and member of the Vox roster, Tareq Hadhad who arrived in Canada in December 2015. Tareq started working with Vox in early 2017 and it’s been a pretty wild ride bringing Tareq to stages all around the world, meeting leaders of countries and thousands of people. In this interview you’ll hear about the importance of getting the message right at his keynotes, the new opportunities you don’t see coming in business and the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship. Tareq says “Entrepreneurship is like jumping off a cliff and building a plane on the way down.” Both Stephanie and Tareq run businesses and have grown together over the last eight years as they build his speaking career that has brought him all across Canada and to many countries like Japan, Mexico, the United States and various destinations in Europe. Their life changing partnership has opened doors neither of them ever imagined and are excited for the many new opportunities to come.

It’s Tia Upshaw’s season!! Let’s talk about a go get ‘em, no nonsense, women in business champion, community cheerleader who is oozing in her black power. Tia is a force. The newest addition to the VOX roster, Steph and Tia sit down, meeting in real life for the first time. They talk about Tia’s life and career and how she has discovered it’s her season to blossom. You’ll hear about the value of mentors, a love of fashion and design, life goals, the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and the drive that led her to be an award winning success story. Her work has not only driven economic growth in her community but has also set a new standard for inclusive leadership and social impact. As the founder and CEO of Blk Women in Excellence, Tia has built a powerful platform dedicated to uplifting and empowering Black women entrepreneurs. 

@itistiaupshaw

@blkwomeninexcellence

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan

#goodpeoplebooked

#voxtalk

Stephanie sits down to chat with one of her best friends she’s known and worked with for nearly 20 years. They reminisce of their time working with Zac’s band, Caledonia, producing the documentary Paddle to the Ocean, his speaking career as a member of the VOX roster and his newest serious leisure love of stand up comedy. Zac openly talks about living with PTSD and the stigma that still surrounds mental illness. They laugh about days on tour (pre cell phones), his relationship with religion, their early days in the music industry, growing cannabis, the importance of practicing your craft, dark humour and how his new serious leisure activity is helping him and others laugh while healing from grief and trauma. Two friends, two mics, sitting at a kitchen table where they have laughed and hung out at many times. 

#zaccrouse

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan

#goodpeoplebooked

#voxtalk

Let’s talk about cats!! The Founder of My Grandfather’s Cat, Angela Rafuse is helping animals, seniors and terminally ill people. Through her cat content, she has amassed a record following making her charity the most followed Canadian charity on Instagram. The charity was inspired by her personal experience adopting her grandfather’s 14-year old grumpy cat, Mackenzie, when he passed away. In only a few short years the charity has helped nearly 1000 cats. Her viral content has garnered her over 645,000 followers on TikTok. Angela’s dedication has earned her national and international recognition. Her work has been featured by People Magazine, Good News Network, and countless Canadian news outlets. She has been named one of Atlantic Canada Business Magazine’s Top 30 Under 30 Innovators, received a nomination for Forbes Top 30 Under 30, and the title of Animal Nonprofit CEO of the Year by the Canadian CEO Awards.

@angrafus3

@mygrandfatherscat

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan

#goodpeoplebooked

#voxtalk

Steve Murphy is a beloved and respected personality in Atlantic Canada. How fun to share some time with him at the kitchen table and talk to one of our good people. Steve joined many maritimers in their homes at the dinner hour live from the CTV news desk for three decades. He is a firm believer in delivering the news based on facts and not opinions. After a lifetime of reporting news and showcasing the opinions of others, Steve now expresses his own opinions on the things he’s done and the people he’s met along the way. These days you’ll see Steve delivering keynote speeches, hosting events and a special correspondent, commentator and analyst for CTV Atlantic. 

@stevemurphyspeaks

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan

#goodpeoplebooked

#voxtalk

Season 2 of VOX Talk is coming May 21st! Tune in to for thoughtful conversations with the best of the best in Canadian talent. 

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime: by Caledonia 

Produced by Mike Ryan: @michael_s_ryan

#goodpeoplebooked

#voxtalk

In this episode, we sit down with Danny Thomas, a seasoned professional in multiple areas of the music industry. Danny's impressive skills have seen him traverse Canada and beyond, collaborating with a wide range of performers, venues and festivals. His extensive portfolio includes significant events such as the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the JUNO Awards, The Grey Cup, East Coast Music Week, The Halifax Pop Explosion, touring with Great Big Sea, and much more. Danny's expertise and passion for his craft also led him to co-own Rockbound Productions with his wife and partner Andrea Thomas, where he continues to leave his mark on the industry.

In this episode, we explore the intriguing journey of Karen Spaulding, a dynamic business leader with many accomplishments to her name. Karen's story is one of diverse experiences, from the world of corporate finance and tech startups to her passionate stewardship of a beloved music venue — The Carleton. 

Born and raised in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Karen embarked on her academic journey by earning a BSc (Hons in Biology) from Queen’s University and an MBA from the University of Western Ontario. Her professional career began in Halifax, working first in Finance and then in IT. Karen's life took a turn when she moved to San Jose, California working as a business manager and later relocating to Burnaby, British Columbia, working in various roles, from insurance brokering to engagements with Orca Entertainment, supporting Vancouver sports teams.

Returning to Halifax, Karen continued freelancing, initially within her family business, Mersey Seafoods. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to tech startup Metaworks, where she began as an investor and advisor before eventually becoming the owner and President.

A notable chapter in Karen’s journey is her connection with The Carleton, a renowned music venue in Halifax. As a long-time fan and patron, she attended her first major show there in 2009, featuring Ron Sexsmith—a pivotal moment for her. 

Years later, aware of the venue's struggles during the construction of the nearby convention centre, Karen was disheartened by the prospect of losing this iconic establishment.

In January 2017, after reading an article on AllNovaScotia.com about a failed sale attempt, Karen decided to take action. With her responsibilities at Metaworks winding down and having the financial capacity to invest, she met with the venue’s owner, Mike Campbell, and four months later, she officially purchased The Carleton. What began as a hands-off investment evolved into a hands-on role as Karen dedicated herself to restoring the venue to its former glory.

Under her leadership, The Carleton has flourished, earning numerous accolades, including two Nova Scotia Music Awards, three East Coast Music Awards, two Canada Live Music Awards, and one Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia Award.

Karen Spaulding’s story is a testament to her adaptability, business acumen, and passion for community and the arts. Join us as we delve into her multifaceted career and the inspiring journey that led her to become a pivotal figure in Halifax’s vibrant music scene.

Steph’s Sites:

Vox Agency: https://www.voxagency.ca/

Vox on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voxagency/

https://www.facebook.com/voxmanagementagency 

Email Steph: [email protected]

Intro and Outro Song: “Freetime” by Caledonia

Karen’s Sites:

https://www.thecarleton.ca/

@carletonhalifax

Liam Hennessey was a pharmaceutical rep, massage therapist, and aspiring vet before he became a photographer.

Connect with Liam:

• Website: Applehead Studio