Sarah Burke interviews Jen Moss, the Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of JAR Podcast Solutions about her urgent call for Canadian podcast funding. They discuss the current state of the Canadian podcast industry, the challenges it faces, and the urgent need for government funding to support independent podcasting as a core cultural industry. Jen shares her insights on storytelling, the importance of authentic narratives, and the role of podcasts in shaping Canadian media. They also explore statistics on podcast listenership in Canada and propose solutions for enhancing support for independent creators.

More About Jen Moss:

Jen Moss co-founded JAR and serves as its Chief Creative Officer. With roots in theatre, arts journalism, CBC Radio and the NFB’s Digital Studio, she blends skilled narrative strategy with audience-first thinking.

Part visionary and part “podcasting doula,” Jen helps brands find their authentic voice—big ideas and fresh tracks included. She champions experimentation, audience insights, and creative risk-taking. A dedicated mentor, she also lectures at UBC’s School of Creative Writing, shaping tomorrow’s podcasters and storytellers.

PODCASTERS, sign the open letter here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSzPVxgLzaUliIVuWa0JCqYoHDrFjyGZh7eFrCtXYWB85ofw/viewform 

Podcasts Jenn mentioned:

https://staffbase.com/en/podcast/

https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/cirque-du-sound-podcast

Connect with Sarah and Women in Media Network:

⁠⁠https://www.womeninmedia.network/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/wimnetwork⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/burketalks

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Sarah Burke interviews broadcaster Tracy Moore at 80a Studios in Toronto as she explores a new chapter after 16 years hosting Cityline; a CityTV show that was recently cancelled after 40 years on the air. Tracy reflects on the show's cancellation, her grief process, and her newfound freedom. Tracy takes us back to finding her voice early in school, her journey into media, her experiences with racism, and her advocacy for body positivity and mental health. Tracy emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and vulnerability, sharing her struggles with postpartum depression and body image. She also speaks about the importance of family and mentorship.

Watch for the release of Tracy's new prime time special More Connected With Tracy Moore on CityTV this fall. Follow along with her for more details!

More About Tracy Moore:

Tracy Moore was the award-winning host of Cityline for 16 years. She is proud to be named a Canadian Screen Award Changemaker. Thanks to her commitment to diversity and inclusion she has also produced and hosted one of Apple podcasts best series of 2020 – Cityline Real on Race. She is co-producer and co-host of Citytv’s RTNDA award-winning race special: Ending Racism: What Will it Take? and spearheads regular conversations on Cityline to raise awareness and inclusivity of folks who live at the intersectional margins. Moore is most proud of the volunteer work she does with West Toronto charity Trust 15.

https://www.trust15.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thetracymoore/

Thanks to 80a Studios for hosting this conversation.

https://www.80astudios.com/

This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find out more: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/womeninmedia⁠

Connect with Sarah and Women in Media Network:

⁠https://www.womeninmedia.network/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/wimnetwork⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/burketalks

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This is a bonus episode of the Women in Media Podcast; a feed drop from the hosts of Late in 88 discussing Bronwin's recent journey receiving gender-affirming surgery & care.

*This conversation was originally recorded for their feed but they had to pivot for a grant which allows them to create the next season in a much more interesting way than two heads talking online! Together, we decided this conversation was too important to shelve, especially during pride month.*

In this episode, hosts Bronwin and Elinor return from a break to reflect on the impact of their podcast and the complexities of navigating gender identity. Bronwin shares their journey towards gender affirming surgery and speaks candidly to Elinor about androgyny, body image, and their journey of self-acceptance. The conversation highlights the importance of visibility, self-discovery, and the healing power of storytelling in the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Follow along and connect with Late in 88:

⁠https://latein88.com/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/late.in.88

https://patreon.com/Latein88

This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/womeninmedia and get 10% off your first month!

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Host Sarah Burke interviews director, producer, and writer Robin Bicknell about her career in media and her latest documentary series, Secrets of the Bunny Ranch. They discuss the impact of HBO's Cathouse, the misrepresentation and exploitation of sex workers in media, and the importance of personal stories in documentary filmmaking. Robin shares her journey into the industry, her experiences as a woman in media, and the mental health challenges faced while conducting interviews. The conversation highlights the resilience of women and the need for empathetic storytelling in the media.

More About Robin Bicknell:

Based in Toronto, Canada, with family roots in Louisiana and Indiana, Bicknell has built an international reputation for crafting high-end pop culture and deeply human stories, marked by her exceptional ability to connect with subjects and audiences. 

Most recently, Bicknell directed and co-wrote all six episodes of the highly anticipated A&E series Secrets of the Bunny Ranch.  She also helmed the feature documentary Ice Age America for Discovery Channel, ARTÉ, and CBC’s The Nature of Things, a riveting exploration of a maverick archaeologist’s discoveries in central Mexico. The film was nominated for a 2024 Realscreen Award and a Banff Rockie Award. 

Her acclaimed film The Machine That Feels, featuring Margaret Atwood and Jane Goodall, delves into how AI is beginning to mirror uniquely human qualities like empathy, emotional intelligence, and creativity. The documentary received multiple nominations, including at Realscreen 2023.

Additional credits include the multi-nominated Black Watch Snipers, documenting five WWII snipers’ survival against overwhelming odds, and Camp X: Secret Agent School, the breakthrough feature on the clandestine WWII spy training camp that laid the groundwork for the CIA. Bicknell also directed, produced, and wrote The Curse of the Axe, a feature documentary narrated by Robbie Robertson about a mysterious ancient village, winner of the Silver Hugo at the Chicago International Film Festival.

Bicknell’s Ice Bridge won Best History Documentary at the 2019 Canadian Screen Awards.  In 2018, her film The Genetic Revolution tackled the controversial gene-editing technology CRISPR, earning a prestigious nomination for Best Science and Technology Film at the 2019 Banff Television Awards and three Canadian Screen Award nominations.

Her earlier works include The Need for Speed, A&E’s deep dive into illegal street racing, The Real Superhumans and the Quest for the Future Fantastic, winner of the Banff Television Award for Best Canadian Program and A Child’s Choice, the poignant journey of four children with terminal cancer at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston Texas. 

This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find out more: https://betterhelp.com/womeninmedia

Connect with Sarah and Women in Media Network:

https://www.womeninmedia.network/

https://www.instagram.com/wimnetwork

https://www.instagram.com/burketalks

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Host Sarah Burke speaks with Paulette Erato, a leader in the podcasting world and founder of Latinas in Podcasting. They discuss Paulette's journey into podcasting, the importance of representation, and the creation of a supportive community for child-free Latinas. Paulette shares her experiences at podcasting conferences, the challenges of societal expectations, and the evolution of her podcasting community.

More About Paulette:

Paulette Erato is a dynamic leader in the podcasting world, dedicated to amplifying Latina voices and empowering women to take charge of their narratives. As the founder and organizer of the Latinas in Podcasting community and annual Virtual Summit, Paulette brings together emerging and established voices in the podcasting industry, creating a platform for education, inspiration, and community.An award-winning former event planner, Pauletteseamlessly blends her expertise in event management with her passion for storytelling, producing virtual experiences that are both impactful and inclusive. She is also the host of La Vida Más Chévere de Childfree Latinas, a podcast that challenges toxic cultural norms and encourages women to design their best lives on their own terms.With a keen focus on helping new podcasters navigate the complexities of launching and growing their shows, Paulette is a mentor, speaker, and advocate for diversity in media. Her work has made her a sought-after voice in the podcasting community, particularly among Latina women who are ready to make their mark in the industry. Find her online at the following:

⁠latinasinpodcasting.com⁠

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Host Sarah Burke interviews Riley Nimens, an award-winning media professional, freelance events and television producer. They discuss Riley's career from working with the CBC and CTV's W5 to her freelance work in news, live events, and documentary production. Riley shares insights on the challenges and rewards of freelancing, her work at major events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cup, and her passion for storytelling through projects like 'Dear Taliban'. The conversation also explores the evolving media landscape.

More About Riley Nimens:

Riley Nimens is a multi-award-winning producer, director, and business strategist known for her innovative approach and dynamic leadership in the media industry. With ten plus years of experience in producing live events, documentaries, and compelling stories, Riley captivates global audiences with her exceptional storytelling skills and unwavering commitment to delivering memorable experiences and content.

https://www.rileynimens.com/

https://www.crave.ca/en/tv-shows/broken-inside-the-toxic-culture-of-canadian-gymnastics 

https://www.canadaland.com/shows/dear-taliban/ 

https://www.runwaydanceconnection.com/ 

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(01:11) Career Beginnings and Early Experiences

(04:50) Transitioning to Freelance Work

(07:51) Live Events and Major Projects

(14:08) Working at the FIFA World Cup

(19:13) Documentary Work: Dear Taliban

(21:12) Future Projects and Aspirations

(26:28) The Future of Media and Industry Challenges

(29:34) Personal Ventures and Final Thoughts

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Host Sarah Burke interviews Cristina Howorun about her journey from traffic reporter to award-winning journalist at City TV, despite her health challenges. Cristina discusses kidney disease and her experience getting a kidney transplant which eventually began to fail. She finds herself going through the same search to find a living donor as she faces kidney failure again. Cristina emphasizes the importance of mentorship and support from other women in the industry, and she highlights her commitment to investigative journalism and social issues.

More About Cristina Howorun:

After earning a Master’s degree in Political Studies from Queen’s University and working for the federal government, she answered her true calling and became a journalist. Cristina earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Ryerson University while flying around in a helicopter delivering traffic reports for a variety of radio and TV stations. After graduating, she worked as a Political Affairs reporter for CTV News Windsor and CTV News London before landing at CityTV in Toronto.

 Cristina has covered every election since 2008, she’s been embedded with the troops in the Mojave Desert, tracked down a suspected terrorist in Libya, exposed shocking levels of abuse and negligence in long-term care homes and shined a light on the dangerous living and working conditions in Ontario’s jails.

Six years ago, Cristina received a lifesaving kidney transplant from her cousin- but in 2024 was once again diagnosed with end stage kidney disease. She is currently on dialysis- but has not let that stop her from continuing her passion for journalism, story telling and has even completed several specials and a documentary while undergoing life-sustaining therapies. She has several projects on the go, and her latest documentary “My Fake Billionaire Boyfriend” is expected to premiere on CityTV by early summer.

https://www.instagram.com/howorun/

“Prison Moms”- https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2023/05/29/full-episode-prison-moms-veracity/

 "The Gun Chase"

 https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2021/04/22/full-episode-veracity-the-gun-chase-a-documentary-about-torontos-gun-problem/

 "Fighting Traffick"

 https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2021/10/25/full-episode-veracity-fighting-traffick/

 Debt to Society

https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2024/08/26/full-episode-debt-to-society-veracity/

Breaking Brethren 

 https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2022/03/28/full-episode-veracity-breaking-brethren/

 The Long Road Home

 https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2023/02/27/full-episode-the-long-road-home-veracity/

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Host Sarah Burke catches up with Alicia Chirrey, the Series Producer of Dragon's Den. They discuss Alicia's journey from intern to series producer, the evolution of female entrepreneursip on the show, and the inspiring stories of resilience from Canadians. Alicia shares insights into the casting process for the upcoming 20th season, the role of the 'Dragons', and the importance of supporting Canadian businesses.

More About Alicia Chirrey:

As Series Producer of Dragons' Den, Alicia oversees all content-related aspects of the production, from casting and creative direction to ensuring each episode delivers a dynamic mix of inspiring stories, bold entrepreneurs, Dragon fire, and big innovation. With a specialization in unscripted studio television, she has crafted a dynamic career shaping compelling narratives and high-stakes entertainment. Over the course of more than a decade on Dragons' Den, Alicia has played a pivotal role in bringing to life the stories of Canada’s most ambitious entrepreneurs. With the show entering its 20th anniversary season, Alicia is leading the charge with a patriotic "Canada-strong" theme that celebrates the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.

Alicia's career spans multiple high-profile roles in Canadian television. She previously served as Casting Producer for Family Feud Canada, where she curated a diverse and engaging group of contestants for the beloved game show. Her experience also includes working as Script Coordinator for the Royal Canadian Air Farce New Year’s Eve Special, as well as Talent Assistant on some of Canada’s most prestigious live award shows, including the Junos, Canadian Screen Awards, and Canada’s Walk of Fame.

Watch out for Season 20 this fall on CBC!

https://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/

Women in Media Listeners get 41% off at Cozy Earth! https://cozyearth.com/discount/WOMENINMEDIA

Women in Media Listeners Get 15% off at Stand!

https://www.standshoes.com/discount/WOMENINMEDIA

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Host Sarah Burke and journalist Karen S. Pugliese sit down in Chicago's Midway airport to test out some new mini mics and discuss the state of media, journalism & podcasting after attending the Podcast Movement Evolutions conference and speaking on a panel about opportunities in Canadian podcasting. Karyn shares her journey in journalism, highlighting her experiences in both broadcasting and podcasting. She speaks about her early work on the podcast, The Disappearance of Natasha Lynn Star, which garnered significant attention. They also discuss the challenges faced by women in media, including the impact of Rachel Gilmore's experience having an election fact-checking segment dropped due to "bandwidth." Karen emphasizes the need for media to support journalists and hold mainstream media accountable.

More about Karyn S. Pugliese:

Karyn Pugliese, also known as Pabàmàdiz— has worked as an investigative journalist, media executive, and press freedom advocate. Her 20-year career includes roles at Canada’s National Observer (CNO), managing editor of CBC's Investigative Unit, and five years as a visiting professor at Toronto Metropolitan University. But she’s probably best known for her time on Parliament Hill and her seven-year tenure as Executive Director of News and Current Affairs at APTN, where she oversaw the network's news division. She launched her first series of podcasts at APTN, and oversaw production of the award-winning podcast The Salmon People at CNO. Her own series, canadaLANDBACK, was nominated twice for Digital publishing awards, and she contributed to the award-winning series The Pretendians in her recent role as the editor-in-chief at a Canadian podcasting network. She is currently a co-host of the Podcast Auntie Up! Karyn’s work has been celebrated with honours like the Hyman Solomon Award for Public Policy Journalism, the Canadian Screen Awards, and the Canadian Association of Journalism Awards. She’s also a Martin Wise Goodman Canadian Nieman Fellow from Harvard University.

Listen:

https://www.aptnnews.ca/the-disappearance-of-natasha-lynn-starr/

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/auntie-up/id1592723511

https://www.nationalobserver.com/podcast/salmon-people

Follow Karyn on Substack:

https://karynpugliese.substack.com/p/we-need-to-talk-about-rachel

Women in Media Listeners get 41% off at Cozy Earth! https://cozyearth.com/discount/WOMENINMEDIA

Women in Media Listeners Get 15% off at Stand!

https://www.standshoes.com/discount/WOMENINMEDIA

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Host Sarah Burke discusses the recent elimination of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality in Canada with guests Jacqueline Neapole and Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah, two feminist leaders fighting to reinstate the position and better support the advancement of women and gender equality around the world.

They reflect on the implications of this decision amidst the backdrop of the UN Women's Rights Summit, where they were advocating for gender equality. They highlight the mobilization of feminist organizations, the role of youth in shaping the future, and the urgent call for reinstatement of the ministerial role with accountability from political leaders. They explore the implications of the UN's financial crisis and the political backdrop affecting women's rights in Canada, emphasizing the need for collective action and the power of individuals to influence change, particularly in light of the upcoming election.

More about Jacqueline Neapole:

Jacqueline Neapole is the executive director of the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women (CRIAW). Jackie has been with CRIAW since 2013 working with community and academy-based researchers to conduct feminist research for action. A feminist activist for over 20 years, she has previously worked and volunteered in various capacities with other social justice organizations to advance women’s rights and equality, including the Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action. She currently serves on the board of the Women’s History Project.

www.criaw-icref.ca

criaw-icref.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/fword.efem

More about Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah:

Debbie is the Co-Director of Policy and Advocacy at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights. Before joining Action Canada, she was the Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity (CCGSD) and has been instrumental in advancing the rights of 2SLGBTQ+ youth and communities.

She has spoken at Parliamentary and Senate standing committees, and has appeared in numerous media outlets. She has held several advocacy and policy-oriented positions in government and non-profit organizations, including Oxfam Canada and Global Affairs Canada.

Debbie is an accomplished community educator, feminist activist, and social justice advocate driven by the mission of creating a more inclusive, equitable, and safe world. She has continued to dedicate her time to local progressive organizing, including most recently, as a commissioner for the Ottawa People's Commission on the Convoy Occupation.

https://www.actioncanadashr.org/

https://secure.actioncanadashr.org/en/unity

The statement we discussed is posted here: https://www.criaw-icref.ca/statements/joint-news-release-on-minister-of-wage/

The Demand Better campaign officially launches on April 2nd:

https://demandbettertoday.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHlVWPDRb1Y/?hl=en

Further reading on the rise of regressive movements in Canada:

https://www.criaw-icref.ca/publications/impacts-of-anti-feminism-and-regressive-movements-in-canada-findings-from-regional-discussions/

Women in Media Listeners get 41% off at Cozy Earth! https://cozyearth.com/discount/WOMENINMEDIA

Women in Media Listeners Get 15% off at Stand!

https://www.standshoes.com/discount/WOMENINMEDIA

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