The Honest Talk

Epizody

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  Diana Fox Carney on life beyond the headlines 09.09.2026 34min

  An economist, mother, policy advocate and now wife of Canada’s Prime Minister, Diana Fox Carney has worn many titles throughout her life. But there’s so much more to her story. In this episode of The Honest Talk podcast, she joins Jen and Catherine for a candid, engaging conversation about growing up in Britain, her time on the hockey rink, the global issues that have shaped her own career, and what it’s like to suddenly find herself firmly in the public eye. We also learn more about her passion for the arts, her talent for running (incredibly fast!), and the books she’s been loving this year!
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  Let’s talk (even more) about menopause: Sleep, sex, and how to protect your overall health 28.08.2026 21min

  There’s a lot more to talk about when it comes to perimenopause and menopause. In part two of our conversation with Dr. Sarah Shaw, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer with Lume Women + Health, we get into weight gain, sex, contraception and the longer-term health changes women need to know about – plus why advocating for yourself can make such a difference.
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  Let’s talk menopause: Brain fog, perimenopause, hormones and more 14.08.2026 34min

  Today we’re getting into a topic that affects every woman, but somehow, there’s still so much we don’t know about it: perimenopause and menopause. What’s actually happening to our bodies? Which symptoms are part of the transition – and which ones shouldn’t be ignored? And why does it still feel so hard to get clear answers? We’re joined by Dr. Sarah Shaw, co-founder and chief medical officer of Lume Women + Health, to get into all of it – from the myths and misconceptions to what women should know, expect and ask about as they navigate this stage of life. This is episode 1 in a 2 part series, so make sure to come back for part 2!
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  Why Michelle Waite says letting go of perfectionism made her a better leader 31.07.2026 21min

  Women are often told to work harder, do more and never let an opportunity pass them by. But what if some of the most important career lessons come from learning your limits? In this episode of The Honest Talk Podcast, Michelle Waite reflects on a 25-year career at RBC and the lessons that shaped her along the way – from finding her voice in leadership to letting go of perfectionism, building confidence and making sure your money is working as hard as you are.
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  The new era of weight loss: What women need to know about GLP-1s 17.07.2026 29min

  GLP-1 medications have become one of the biggest conversations in women’s health – but with all the headlines, social media debates and opinions, it can be hard to know what’s actually true. In this episode of The Honest Talk, we’re joined by Dr. Sasha High, a physician specializing in weight loss and metabolic health, for a deeper look at what’s behind the GLP-1 conversation. We talk about why weight loss is about more than willpower, how these medications work, who they may help, the potential risks and side effects, and why strength, nutrition and overall health matter along the way.
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  Let’s talk about miscarriage: What happens, why it happens, and how to heal 03.07.2026 20min

  Miscarriage is something so many women experience, yet it's still one of the conversations we struggle to have out loud. In this episode of The Honest Talk podcast, we sit down with Dr. Sunita Lal to answer the questions so many women have but don't always know who to ask. We talk about what actually causes a miscarriage, the signs that shouldn't be ignored, what recovery can look like, and why the emotional impact is often so much greater than people realize. We also explore the myths that continue to surround pregnancy loss, why so many women still blame themselves, and how we can start changing the conversation so no one has to grieve in silence.
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  Setting the Tempo: Why Reetu Gupta is betting big on women's basketball 19.06.2026 25min

  We’re heading courtside with Reetu Gupta for this episode! She is an entrepreneur, hospitality leader, and part owner of the brand new Toronto Tempo, one of the newest teams in the WNBA, the world’s premier professional women’s basketball league. In this conversation, we get into her career journey, what it’s really been like building across hospitality and community, and why she decided to step into women’s sports at such a pivotal moment. We also talk about what this moment says about the future of women’s leadership, visibility, and opportunity – on and off the court.
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  How to make fitness fit your life with GoodLife’s Kim Lavender 05.06.2026 24min

  Fitness advice is everywhere, but for women juggling careers, families, caregiving responsibilities, and everything else life throws their way, knowing where to start – or how to keep going – can feel overwhelming. That's why we're excited to have Kim Lavender, Vice President of Group Experiences at GoodLife Fitness, joining us on the podcast. With more than two decades at GoodLife, Kim has spent her career helping Canadians build healthier, more active lives. She's passionate about helping women feel confident and supported in their health and fitness journeys, without the pressure of perfection. In this conversation, Kim shares practical approaches to wellness, ones that are rooted in sustainable habits, strength, and showing ourselves a little more grace. From navigating fitness through motherhood, perimenopause, and menopause, to overcoming gym intimidation and finding movement that actually fits into a busy life, Kim offers advice that women can put into practice right away. 
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  Amanda Lindhout on survival, hope, and rebuilding a life after captivity 22.05.2026 28min

  In this episode, we’re sitting down with Amanda Lindhout – a Canadian journalist whose life story is as gripping as it is inspiring. Amanda has always been driven by a deep curiosity about the world, and that curiosity took her to some of the most volatile places on earth. But in 2008, while working in Somalia, her life changed completely when she was kidnapped and held captive for 460 days. What’s remarkable about Amanda isn’t only what she survived, but how she’s chosen to move forward since then. Instead of letting that experience define her, she’s turned it into a message about empathy, forgiveness, healing, and hope. In this conversation, Amanda opens up about what survival really looked like, how she rebuilt her life piece by piece, and what she’s learned about finding light after unimaginable darkness.
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  Mom Talk: A conversation with our moms, Maureen McTeer and Jane Wilson 08.05.2026 30min

  Ahead of Mother’s Day, Jen and Catherine sit down with two of the most important women in their lives for a very special conversation – their moms! Both trailblazing lawyers, Maureen McTeer and Jane Wilson make their podcast debut to share candid reflections on motherhood, career ambition, and what it was really like raising kids while building groundbreaking careers – including a few stories about what Jen and Catherine were really like as kids. You won’t want to miss this!
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  Christianna Scott on her journey from law to leading DE&I at Canada’s largest airline 24.04.2026 23min

  From the very beginning of The Honest Talk, Air Canada has been more than a partner; they’ve helped us reach new heights. In this episode, Jen and Catherine sit down with a woman who is helping shape the future of that company from the inside. Christianna Scott, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, joins us to talk about leading with empathy, driving meaningful change at scale, and why redefining success isn’t just personal – it’s necessary in the world we’re now working in.
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  What it really takes to build a successful Canadian brand with Tania Yan 10.04.2026 19min

  Today on the podcast, we’re chatting with Tania Yan, the founder of Olive & Piper! You may know the jewellery brand, but what you might not know is the story behind it – the risks, the long nights, the creative decisions… and yes, the boiled cabbage (we’ll explain!). Tania built Olive & Piper with an eye for design, but also with patience, discipline, and a deep understanding of her customers. She’s grounded, refreshingly honest, and generous with what growth really looks like.  Tune in to the episode to hear how a passion project turned into a successful Canadian jewellery brand!
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  Jessica Holmes teaches us why laughter is the best medicine 27.03.2026 26min

  This week on The Honest Talk podcast: Jessica Holmes! Comedian, entertainer, and powerhouse of honesty, resilience, and self-acceptance. She’s opened for legends like Ellen DeGeneres, Jerry Seinfeld, Oprah, and Russell Peters – and brought down the house at our 2025 Women’s Summit with her wit, warmth, and yes…her singing chops (and cheerleading pom-poms). Jessica blends laughter with real life, sharing her journey through mental health, motherhood, and personal growth. She also proves that vulnerability isn’t weakness, and that humour can be a lifeline. 
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  The first woman to command Canada’s military: A conversation with Gen. Jennie Carignan 13.03.2026 23min

  Today on The Honest Talk, we’re joined by a woman whose leadership carries real weight, not just in title, but in responsibility. General Jennie Carignan is Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff, the first woman to ever hold the role. She now leads the Canadian Armed Forces at a moment of global instability, shifting alliances, and growing expectations about Canada’s role in the world – both at home and abroad. But this conversation isn’t just about defence strategy or military command. It’s about leadership under pressure. It’s about making decisions when the stakes are incredibly high, building trust and accountability, and leading people when certainty is in short supply. General Carignan has spent decades navigating complexity, command, and consequence. Today, she brings that perspective to The Honest Talk for a conversation about service, resilience, and the very human side of leadership.
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  Mandy Gull-Masty on courage, proving people wrong, and redefining leadership 27.02.2026 26min

  On this episode, we sit down with Mandy Gull-Masty, Canada’s Federal Minister of Indigenous Services – and a leader whose approach to politics is deeply rooted in community, tradition, and opening doors for the next generation. We get into the realities of being a woman in politics, and how those challenges can be even more intense for Indigenous and diverse women. It’s an honest conversation about scrutiny, resilience, and what it really takes to lead when you’re not just representing a riding, but entire communities who see themselves in you. But we also go beyond the title. Mandy shares the personal moments that shaped her path, the opportunities she chose to step into (even when they felt daunting), and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
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  Curiosity, leadership, and trusting your gut: A conversation with Sue Noble 13.02.2026 24min

  From championing women’s voices to shaping strategic growth at one of Canada’s largest financial institutions, RBC senior executive Sue Noble joins The Honest Talk for a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, and purpose. Sue shares how she built her career in finance by trusting her voice, advocating for women in business, and staying grounded in vision – offering real insight for anyone navigating their own path to leadership.
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  Melissa Leong’s no-shame guide to starting fresh financially in 2026 30.01.2026 13min

  Feeling intimidated by money? You’re not alone. Today, we’re talking with Melissa Leong, a financial expert, author, and media personality who’s on a mission to help people talk about money without fear, judgment, or shame. Melissa breaks down complex financial conversations, challenges outdated ideas, and shows us that financial confidence isn’t about perfection – it’s about understanding your choices and owning them.
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  What we're bringing into 2026 with Jen and Catherine 16.01.2026 22min

  It’s a new year check-in with Jen and Catherine! They look back on a big year for The Honest Talk, talk honestly about what’s ahead, and share what they’re choosing to bring – and leave behind – in 2026.
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  Building SophieGrace: How Emma May created a clothing brand that's taking fashion by storm 02.01.2026 22min

  Today we’re joined by Emma May, a founder who didn’t set out to build a company – but ended up creating one out of necessity. As CEO of SophieGrace, she’s grown a brand born from a deeply personal experience into a trusted name for women who want workwear that’s both stylish and incredibly comfortable. Her journey shows what entrepreneurship really looks like: uncertainty, conviction, and the courage to build something before you feel fully ready. But the story goes far beyond products and profits. Emma shares the realities of scaling a business, raising capital, and stepping into leadership – all while staying grounded in her “why.” Tune in as we dive into the honest parts of building SophieGrace – the decisions behind the scenes, the lessons learned the hard way, and what it truly takes to grow a company without losing yourself along the way.
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  How Devinder Gill forged her path in financial leadership 19.12.2025 23min

  We’re thrilled to welcome a true powerhouse in leadership and community impact to the podcast – Devinder Gill. As RBC’s Regional President for Ontario North and East, Devinder brings both heart and strategy to everything she does. She’s a passionate advocate for diversity, empowerment, and breaking down the barriers that keep voices out of the room. We’ve had the chance to experience her leadership firsthand here in Ottawa, and today we’re diving into her story – exploring the professional and personal insights that have shaped how she leads and how she makes space at the table for others.