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/

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Host Sarah Burke brings light to some important conversations recently brought forward by media colleagues. Kudos to Erica Ehm for writing this straight-up article for International Women's Day about the 'echo-chamber' problem. Thank you to Rachel Gilmore for speaking up and sticking with journalism, despite those who have tried to intimidate her to stop sharing important Canadian perspectives. Thank you to Taylor Kaye who shared her family tragedy on Cynthia and Josie's unmentionables so we can all confront some thoughts we may not otherwise face!

Further reading / listening from this episode:

Erica's Article: https://lindsayadvocate.ca/international-womens-day/

Follow Rachel and her new podcast: https://linktr.ee/rachel_gilmore

Taylor's Episode on Cynthia and Josie's Unmentionables: https://omny.fm/shows/cynthia-and-josie-s-unmentionables/when-life-changes-in-an-instant-taylor-kaye-s-stor

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Host Sarah Burke speaks with Red, a popular Toronto radio personality. Red takes us back to the beginning, being part of the launch of Canada's first Black-owned radio station and the excitement as artists like Jay-Z and Rihanna came through the doors at the old Flow 93.5. Red shares memorable experiences, the challenges of transitioning through career changes, and the importance of authenticity in her personal and professional life. Sarah and Red explore the nuances of navigating opportunities in the media landscape, the evolution of podcasting and radio, and the importance of representation and community connection.

More About Red:

Red, formally known as Lil’Red has a career spanning 20+ years in Canada’s entertainment industry. Red also worked out west in Vancouver on Kiss/ Sonic FM Rogers radio, which was syndicated on the west coast as she perfected her craft before moving back to Toronto. Red is known for celebrity interviews; like one of Hip Hop's founding fathers, Russell Simmons and Rev Run from RUN DMC.

Throughout her career, she has also hosted and produced her own broadcast segment for Rogers TV on ‘Toronto Living’ as a reporter and ‘Dating 101’ as the prime host. While being on radio, Red has been a sought-out personality to host several events in the city ranging from community events, a Caribbean tourism ambassador, speaking engagements, mentoring, and motivating women & youth. Stay tuned for the revamp of her podcast ‘The Red Print podcast’. 

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Sarah Burke interviews Sherley Joseph, the co-founder of The Chonilla Network and the woman behind the 'Black Canadian Creators" Podcast and community. Graduating from broadcast school alongside the likes of Sid Seixeiro and George Stroumboulopoulos, Sherley always enjoyed working behind the scenes in production. More recently she stepped into power creating a dedicated community for Black Canadian Creators while helping many other podcasters along their way. It all started with a podcast co-hosted with her husband in which they explored how unique their experiences were as an interracial couple.

Sherley shares her journey through podcasting, from starting a show in Montreal to building a dedicated online space for Black Canadian Creators. They discuss the significance of spaces for Black creators and the need for representation in media.

More About Sherley Joseph:

I co-founded The Chonilla Network, a podcast collective and digital media hub that champions diverse voices and reshapes the podcasting landscape in Canada. She's also a co-organizer of The Soundwave Summit, an event that brings together creators making waves in podcasting.

Collaboration fuels my mission. Teaming up with remarkable individuals, creators, and organizations who make outside of the box impact.

Read Black Pod News on Substack:

https://www.blkpodnews.com/s/northernvoices

https://www.instagram.com/blackcanadiancreators/

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Host Sarah Burke reflects on the great conversations, special guests, and lessons learned through one hundred episodes of the Women in Media Podcast. She discusses the purpose behind her podcast, its evolution, and the empowerment that comes from independence in content creation. Throughout the episode, Sarah shares memorable moments and insights from listeners, friends and colleagues who have played a role in creating both the Women in Media Network and community.

Leave a voicenote:

https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/women-in-media/voicemail/

Watch Jann Arden's MIXTAPE album listening party hosted by Erica Ehm Wednesday January 29th at 8pm Eastern: https://riverside.fm/studio/jann-ardens-mixtape-album-listening-party

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Host Sarah Burke speaks with Dr. Leslie Dobson, a clinical and forensic psychologist turned media personality. She talks about everything from working with psychopathic individuals in prisons to working with lawyers representing A-list celebrities. She tells Sarah about her upcoming podcast 'Intentionally Disturbing, which aims to explore the psychology behind disturbing experiences, including cartel members, surgeons, and more. They also touch on the impact of celebrities and politicians abusing power, the role of women in psychology and media. Dr. Leslie also reminds us about the importance of empowerment and self-defense, and talking safety with your kids.

More About Dr. Leslie

Dr. Leslie Dobson is a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in the murky waters of human behavior. By day, she works with trauma survivors and attorneys in civil and criminal cases. By night, she transforms into your sarcastic, dark-humored guide through the labyrinth of the human psyche, armed with biting wit and just enough professional detachment to keep things interesting. As an expert on the mind of a predator (and, hypothetically, where to hide the bodies), Dr. Dobson's courtroom skills are legendary. Her ability to navigate the darkest corners of humanity is as impressive as it is unsettling. With government-level training seamlessly transitioned into private practice, she's the gold standard for dealing with humanity's ... less-than-shiny side. Join her on this thrilling ride as she dissects psychological evaluations, shares personal anecdotes, and drops wisdom, all served with a generous helping of sarcasm, satire, and the occasional existential crisis.

https://drlesliedobson.com/

Follow Dr. Leslie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlesliedobson

Watch the Shopping Cart Video https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMkmf5JYq/

The book Dr. Leslie mentioned in this episode is The Gift of Fear.

Donate to Red Cross for victims of the LA Fires

Use code WOMENINMEDIA20 for 20% off this month's workshop:

Women in Media Network January Workshop

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On the last episode of 2024, host Sarah Burke shares some network reflections & new initiatives kicking off 2025, and is then joined by rock radio sister, Carly Rae Meyers.

Carly was recently laid off from one of her favourite radio gigs at Sonic in Vancouver, so she takes us on a journey back in time to her first radio job, growing up on the airwaves, bouncing back and forth between provinces and great radio stations including 102.1 The Edge in Toronto, and her hopes for the future. She openly shares the challenges she faced navigating relationships and identity within the media landscape, her self-discovery while traveling, the impact of her father's career in radio, and the pivotal moments that shaped her. Together, they reflect on their experiences in the radio industry and the importance of embracing change in a rapidly changing industry. Good luck to Carly in finding the perfect new gig, the beach is cool but this broadcaster should NOT be on the bench.

Connect with Carly Rae Meyers:

https://carlyandjay.com/carly-meyers

https://www.instagram.com/carlyradio_/

Read the latest Women in Media Network Newsletter HERE.

Join the Women in Media Network 2025 RSS Reset:

https://women-in-media-network.myflodesk.com/rss-reset

Join the Women in Media Network January 2025 Social Media Challenge:

https://women-in-media-network.myflodesk.com/amplify-challenge

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Host Sarah Burke officially welcomes Mary Jo Eustace to the Women in Media network with a conversation about the importance of embracing aging, taking risks, and MJ's recent experience on the reality show Traitors.

Sarah and MJ also swap dating stories sharing their disdain for dating apps and the complexities of dating in the modern world and the humorous yet frustrating experiences that come with the territory! They share personal anecdotes about awkward encounters, while MJ reminds Sarah to remain open-minded in the search for connection.

With an upcoming trip planned to visit her parents in Toronto, MJ also reflects on the emotional journey of caring for aging parents, particularly those dealing with dementia.

Read more about this on MJ's Substack:

https://substack.com/home/post/p-150804692

https://substack.com/@maryjoeustace

Watch MJ on Traitors:

https://www.ctv.ca/shows/the-traitors-canada

Check out Voiceover artist Jane Oppenheimer:

https://www.janeoppenheimervoice.com/

Listen to the Senior Bitches Podcast on the Women in Media Network:

https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/senior-bitches/

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*Episode disclaimer: today's episode contains discussions about violence against women, including sensitive topics which some listeners may find triggering. Listener discretion is advised.*

According to the UN, Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed. Globally, almost one in three women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their life.

Annually, November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and this year, the date marks the launch of the global UNiTE campaign (Nov 25- Dec 10) — an initiative which kicks off the annual 16 Days of Activism. This is an opportunity to revitalize commitments and call for accountability and action from decision-makers, concluding on the day that commemorates International Human Rights Day on December 10th.

All of the panelists you’ll be hearing from have lived experience as it relates to violence against women, as survivors or loved ones of survivors, and those who are in supporting roles within their communities. While this panel is based in Southwestern Ontario, the topics and themes that will be discussed are far reaching here in Canada, and around the world. 

More about the panelists:

Carlen Costa will moderate this discussion, but brings a lot of support to this conversation as a registered psychotherapist who has herself, been a victim of violence. She is the host of the Spicy Fat Podcast on the Women in Media Network.

https://www.carlencosta.com/

https://www.spicyfat.com/

Amy Birtch is a Sergeant with London Police and the At Risk Coordinator. She had been in that role since 2016 and has 22 years of service with London Police Service. Sergeant Birtch has experience in patrol, community-based policing, and criminal investigations.

https://slwar.ca/meet-the-team/

Fartumo Kusow is the mother of the late Sahra Bulle, who was found dead in Windsor on June 6, 2023. She is one of the honourees of this year's Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign. She is the host of the Break the Silence, Build a Future Podcast.

https://fartumokusow.com/about/

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/break-the-silence-build-a-future/id1726679190

Here is the information for the conference mentioned in this episode. It will focus on addressing the profound impact of gender-based violence (GBV) on health through expert discussions, survivor stories, and actionable solutions. 

The event is hybrid, so you can join in person or virtually.

https://www.uwindsor.ca/vp-people-equity-inclusion/465/iamsahrabulle-conference

Jennifer Dunn is the Executive Director of the London Abused Women’s Centre, a feminist, abolitionist agency that provides abused and exploited women and children over the age of 12 with hope and help.

https://www.lawc.on.ca/

https://www.lawc.on.ca/shine-the-light-on-woman-abuse-campaign

RESOURCES:

Government of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Find family violence resources and services in your area:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/services.html

Shelter Safe: A resource to finding all shelters across Canada

https://www.sheltersafe.ca/

Resources in Canada for Family and Intimate Partner Violence

https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/resources/family-and-intimate-partner-violence

The Assaulted Women’s Helpline: A free, anonymous telephone line for women in Ontario experiencing any form of abuse.

https://www.awhl.org/donate

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In this episode of the Women in Media podcast, host Sarah Burke interviews Dr. Riley Kirk, a cannabis research scientist and educator who also hosts the Bioactive Podcast on the Women in Media Network! They explore the intersection of cannabis, science, media, and the evolving perception of cannabis in society, especially as it pertains to women. They question some of the advertising challenges that the cannabis industry and content creators within it face, while looking at accepted habits and attitudes towards alcohol. They talk about content creation in the cannabis industry and its inevitable difficulties with censorship. Dr. Kirk emphasizes the medicinal benefits of cannabis and the importance of community knowledge and research in truly understanding its effects. She also tells Sarah about her Science of Smokability initiatve with a focus on research aimed at improving the quality and safety of cannabis products.

Find out more about Riley, her podcast, and all of her amazing work:

https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem

https://instagram.com/cannabichem

https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

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