Shows
Unapologetically CanadianThe Great Cycle Challenge Canada FundraiserWe are now in the second week of the Great Cycle Challenge in Canada. I thought this would be a good time to meet Ian Parker, who directs fundraising for the Sick Kids Foundation.
We spoke about inspiring Canadians who cycle to raise money every August, the community created through our efforts, the importance of diversity and gratitude for Canadians who give.2022-08-1018 min
Unapologetically CanadianGet Out of a Rut With Christine SauerChristine Sauer is a neuroplasticist turned coach who helps women struggling with depression and other mental health issues thrive. 2022-08-1030 min
Unapologetically CanadianReid Allaway and Tourne-sol's elec-truck projectI spoke to project head Reid Allaway about organic vegetable and seed farm cooperative Tourne-sol's operations, protecting farmland as a commons and how they went about getting a fully electric truck.2022-01-2359 min
Unapologetically CanadianGetting history right with Irene Moore DavisThis is my interview with Irene Moore Davis, a woman who descends from Black pioneers settlers who lived in Southwestern Ontario in the nineteenth century. She speaks, teaches and writes about Black history, equity, diversity, and inclusion and will publish a book about the history of African-descended people in Windsor and Sandwich soon. 2022-01-1639 min
Unapologetically Canadian2022 Let's Go!Okay 2022, we're ready for you. I hope. With COVID still on and so many government restrictions underway, how can we creatively lead sustainable lives while thriving? My word of the year: courage. The word “courage” stems directly from a feeling that I’m at the edge of my capabilities as an entrepreneur. I will need to continue stretching beyond who I am now in the coming year. Last year’s challenges included course development, fundraising and application development. I also hired many people, which in turn necessitated learning team leadership, task delegation and automating payroll. In addition, I spent time imp...2022-01-1004 min
Livable Future Investing3b. Erika Seth Davies - From Color Blind to Equity Focused - A journey and ecosystem reflectionIn this second part of our conversation, Erika shares some of her own journey from the Association of Black Foundation Executives to more recent work at Georgetown University that helps understand the context of the important framework and tools she's now building at the Racial Equity Asset Lab. Who were some of the first Black firms in Asset Management? How did they get their start? Are you demanding that your investment managers bring you Black, Latino, or women-led options? Why not? What intention are you bringing to these harder conversations with your managers? What...2021-12-1329 min
Unapologetically CanadianWriting up the ancestors with Janice HamiltonIt was a joy to speak with journalist and genealogist Janice Hamilton about her ancestors, her recent book "Reinventing Themselves," and surprises she's discovered while researching and writing her family history.2021-09-301h 03
Unapologetically CanadianCreating diversity via permaculture with Stefan SobkowiakStefan Sobkowiak spent twenty years turning a traditional commercial apple farm into an extraordinary oasis of permaculture diversity. He's deeply grateful for that abundance, which defines Canada for him. The episode is brought to you by the CAUS crowdfunding campaign at https://laruchequebec.com/. 2021-05-0843 min
Unapologetically CanadianHow Lloyd Whitesell challenges normsLloyd Whitesell challenges norms just by being himself. His academic career began with co-creating the field of queer musicology. He's now among the leaders working to make space for diverse populations within music. Along the way, he's won awards for research excellence and teaching. He's also the world's expert on singer songwriter Joni Mitchell's talent as a composer. Listen to our conversation and consider which norms unintentionally influence you. 2021-04-0746 min
Unapologetically CanadianMotivating Youth with Bineta BaWhen I interviewed Bineta Ba, she was the executive director of Toujours Ensemble, a Canadian non profit association that helps youth succeed at school. As of next month, she'll be leading an international development foundation. 2021-02-191h 31
Unapologetically CanadianMarian Bulford's Heritage DiscoveriesThis week on the podcast, I interview Marian Bulford, a genealogist, researcher, indexer and writer. She describes what it's like to discover family secrets as she researches and writes stories about her ancestors. 2021-02-0440 min
Unapologetically CanadianResolutions 2021: Setting up to winHow can I go forward into this year in a positive way that gives me energy?Set up clear accountability goals that scare me a little. Rely on other people more. Automate more functions. 2021-01-0812 min
Unapologetically CanadianRuminations on 2020 and the pandemicThere are many ways to deal with a crisis. In 2020, we all discovered how well we handle uncertainty and stress. Some of us kept working in essential services. Others used the time to create works of art. Some people couldn’t work and struggled instead to find ways to occupy their minds and bodies in ways that helped others. Together, we grew and learned grace.2020-12-3107 min
Unapologetically CanadianFarming for the Future with Ramzy KassoufThis week, I interview Ramzy Kassouf, one of the partners in Les Jardins Carya, a farm in Senneville, on the island of Montreal. Les Jardins Carya specializes in lettuce, kale, spinach, sprouts and other greens. Ramzy and I spoke about the importance and challenges of sustainable farming, the need to support one another during hard times and Canada's diversity. 2020-12-2431 min
Unapologetically CanadianExploring the power of art with Karen KlucowiczThis week, I interview artist and gallery operator Karen Klucowicz. We spoke about entrepreneurship, the challenges of staying productive, working process and contributing to the local community. 2020-12-0243 min
Unapologetically CanadianIndie publishing success with Heather Grace StewartHeather Grace Stewart, author of “The Ticket” is my guest this week. We discuss the challenges of indie publishing in Canada, her success with Self Publishing Formula and our shared belief that kindness is an essential quality of Canadians.
This has been an exciting week as an entrepreneur so it’s a good time to discuss independent publishing with my fantasy romance writer buddy. 2020-11-2350 min
Unapologetically CanadianChange your story, change your lifeThis week's 11-minute segment talks about my mood today, November 10, 2020.Highlights include: the idea that you can change your life by changing your story,faltering on word-count in Nanowrimo, thoughts about being process-oriented or product-oriented, discovering the Achewillow fiction podcast, and my frustrations not seeing family this year. Today is also the day I announce my new story discovery sessions. 2020-11-1112 min
Unapologetically CanadianCan you write to heal? Penelope Arnold hopes so.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. 2020-11-0452 min
Unapologetically CanadianTechnology's benefits and risks with Glen SharpIn 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. 2020-10-2830 min
Unapologetically CanadianTalking copywriting with Robyn RosteI'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.2020-10-1827 min
Unapologetically CanadianHow crafts connect generations with Mary SutherlandThis 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.2020-10-0949 min
Unapologetically CanadianEasy Customer Learning with Dave HowardThis 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. 2020-09-1430 min
Unapologetically Canadian39: Finding new ways to feed people with Jo NotkinThis 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. 2020-09-0942 min
Unapologetically CanadianCan you profit from writing like Lori Straus?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.2020-05-1648 min
Unapologetically CanadianEssayist Dorothy Nixon has a way with wordsThanks 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.2020-04-1951 min
Unapologetically CanadianSolo COVID 19 diaryThis 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/.2020-04-0309 min
Unapologetically CanadianKornel Szrejber's Mission to Improve Financial LiteracyGreat to be able to interview Kornel Szrejber, the host of the popular Build Wealth Canada Podcast and the latest coordinator of the Canadian Financial Summit.We spoke about his podcast, his investment course, his new life as a creative entrepreneur, his mission to improve the financial literacy of Canadians, the financial independence movement, his history as a Polish immigrant raised in Canada and his appreciation for our country's diversity. For the show notes, visit https://traceyarial.com/blog/kornel-szrejber.2020-04-0351 min
Unapologetically CanadianLiving Bodaciously with Jannette AndersonRecently, I spoke to Jannette Anderson, the founder of Bodacity.ca.We spoke about her nomad lifestyle, her calling to create a movement of women leaders and her reasons for calling herself Canadian. For the show notes, refer to: https://traceyarial.com/blog/jannette-anderson2020-04-0234 min
Unapologetically CanadianEntrepreneurial Experiences February 2020This month has been full of entrepreneurial excitement and pitfalls. Here's a quick overview of the latest experiences in the world of a solo creative.For the show notes of this episode, refer to https://traceyarial.com/blog/entrepreneurial-experiences-february-2020/.2020-04-0210 min
Unapologetically CanadianWildflower farming adventures with Miriam and PaulLast summer, I got to speak with two of my heroes, Miriam Goldberger and Paul Jenkins, the owners of Wildflower Farm because the couple were passing through Montreal and stopped to visit Grand Potager. They spoke to me about their innovative product Eco-Lawn, their passion for wildflowers and the challenges of running a business with your life partner. For a transcript of our discussion, check the show-notes at https://traceyarial.com/blog/growing-wildflowers-together.2020-04-0223 min
Unapologetically CanadianCrafting sculptures and stories with Lucy AnglinRecently, I had the good fortune to interview Lucy Anglin, one of the writers with Genealogy Ensemble and a talented fabric sculptor. We spoke about life as an artist, combining two crafts, selling your work and life as a sixth or seventh generation Canadian. To read the show notes, refer to https://traceyarial.com/blog/lucy-anglin.2020-04-0239 min
Unapologetically CanadianEvolve with EvelynJust before the holidays, I got the chance to interview Evelyn Huynh, wellness lifestyle and business coach who moved her business from Ottawa to Los Angeles last year. In addition to describing her entrepreneurial journey so far, and commiserating on the importance of empowering women, Evelyn briefly outlined her EVOLVE coaching method, which inspired me as I finalize the year's strategic plan.
Evelyn has the kindest definition for being Canadian that I've ever heard. Check out the show notes at https://traceyarial.com/blog/evelyn_huynh.2020-03-2835 min
Unapologetically CanadianResolutions 2020My resolutions for 2020 include: business clarity, the creation of intellectual assets, financial independence, generosity and resiliency. For a list of the measured actions, inspiring podcasts and blog posts, and measured actions or to comment on the ideas, view the show notes at https://traceyarial.com/blog/resolutions-2020.2020-03-2821 min
Unapologetically Canadian2019 and the decade in ReviewI reviewed 2019 and the entire decade it ended based on 10 themes:
financial (self-investment, business investment, revenue)
health (Celiac disease, diet, exercise, spirituality, capacities)
writing (craft, process, learning)
business (partnership, professionalism, coaches)
relationship (love, growth, challenges)
friends (appreciation of one another, time spent)
family (adventure, change, growth)
French (bilingualism, learning)
photography (technology, skill, art)
self-defense (karate)
I finish with a collective challenge to take on climate change.2020-03-2826 min
Unapologetically CanadianDiscussing community design with Douglas JackDouglas Jack, a community organizer and designer has created an edible landscape around his home. He also serves as the president of a local non-profit organization called the Sustainable Development Association. I visited Doug last spring. During our interview, Doug and I spoke about his community design ideas and his plans for a digital community directory. We also toured his property to discover how he uses food and leaf composting to grow fruit, nuts and vegetables that he consumes year-round. For a transcript and links, visit the shownotes at https://traceyarial.com/blog/douglas-jack.2020-03-2841 min
Unapologetically CanadianStep into the Spotlight with TsufitExperienced branding expert, speaker and author Tsufit shares tons of stories. We began with a hilarious little anecdote about an interview beginning on the wrong foot and continued through discussions about how she's helped entrepreneurs from all walks of life tighten their message and improve business. Get hints about how you can present your work with confidence and humour. Check out the show notes at https://traceyarial.com/blog/tsufit.2020-03-2841 min
Unapologetically CanadianPete Bradford and the Art of Making VinegarCooper Pete Bradford talks about his passion for crafting barrel-aged vinegar in the Prince Edward County, one of three wine regions in Ontario. Canadian Vinegar Cellars operates within the Black Prince Winery in Picton. For more information and a transcript of our conversation, check out the show notes at https://traceyarial.com/blog/pete-bradford/.2020-03-2823 min
Unapologetically CanadianInterview with EcoSmoothie Entrepreneur TashaThanks to Verdun organization Toujours Ensemble, local farmers’ market visitors got to experience smoothies created using a blender attached to a bicycle in 2018 and 2019. The first year, 13 youth participated in the project, including Tasha, who spoke to me for Unapologetically Canadian. For a video of the bike and some quotes from our conversation, refer to: https://wp.me/p2buQs-5982020-03-2809 min
Unapologetically CanadianActivist mayor Maja Vodanovic brings public into Lachine's urban planning processUnapologetically Canadian Episode 23 features an interview with Lachine Mayor Maja Vodanovic.
We speak about three key questions:
• If you include public participation at the beginning of a development project instead of at the end, will you be able to create a common vision for a space that everyone will buy into?
• How has Vodanovic’s former activism played into her current life as a political leader?
• How does the mayor see herself in terms of Canadian identity?
Read the show notes here: https://traceyarial.com/blog/maja-vodanovic/.2020-03-2728 min
Unapologetically CanadianRoch Carrier: A Canadian IconTwo years ago, I had the opportunity to interview Roch Carrier, a wonderful author who wrote a series of diverse works from La Guerre, Yes Sir to The Hockey Sweater to his latest novel “Demain, j’écrire un roman.
Most of our conversation focussed on The Hockey Sweater, which became a musical last winter in the latest of a multitude of diverse creations.
Roch turns 82 next month, on May 13. Happy birthday, Roch! A transcript and links will appear in the show notes that day at https://traceyarial.com/blog/roch-carrier/.2020-03-2730 min
Unapologetically CanadianTalking to Urban Agriculture Pioneers Tereska Gesing and Shawn ManningHow difficult is it to run a seasonal business, raise a family and own property together? Tereska Gesing and Shawn Manning, co-owners of Urban Seedling with cousin Trevor Manning do it, and they're still having fun. To read the show notes, refer to https://traceyarial.com/blog/tereska-shawn.2020-03-2729 min
Unapologetically CanadianTravel the World of Chocolate with Doreen PengracsJoin me for a conversation with Doreen Pengracs, Canada’s chocolate tour expert. We speak about chocolate, travel and building an author's platform. Get the transcript of our conversation, complete with links, at https://traceyarial.com/blog/doreen-pendgracs/.2020-03-2736 min
Unapologetically CanadianJohanne Gervais Helps us Research our AncestorsI had fun interviewing professional genealogist Johanne Gervais for this week’s podcast. Johanne founded the Québec Genealogical eSociety, and has been researching family history since 2008. For a transcript of our conversation, visit https://traceyarial.com/blog/johanne-gervais/.2020-03-2733 min
Unapologetically CanadianJoseph Pugliese's Community JournalismThis week, I spoke to LaSalle-based community activist Joseph Pugliese. We talked about VIP lists, school loan forgiveness and contaminated soil in LaSalle. For the show notes, visit Joseph Pugliese on my blog, at https://traceyarial.com/blog/joseph-pugliese.2020-03-2719 min
Unapologetically CanadianLorne Trottier's Life of Technological and Scientific ExplorationIf there’s anyone who knows how to use the study of science for the benefit of humans, it’s Lorne Trottier.
Trottier's childhood passion for electro-magnetic technology has him creating a multi-national company, a building on the McGill campus, two research chairs, two institutes, an observatory, and a family foundation known for its philanthropy to science and health. I hope you're as inspired by my conversation with Trottier as I was. Read the show notes at: https://traceyarial.com/blog/lorne-trottier/. Please note that this episode comes from my archives. Our conversation took place over a meal...2020-03-2759 min
Unapologetically CanadianExploring Creativity with Elizabeth JohnstonJust before Christmas, I met with Elizabeth Johnston at a restaurant to discuss creativity.
This was a great topic because Johnston has the Own Your Creativity site, where she leads a “memoir in a month” challenge every November.
She also works as a self-actualization consultant and story coach. Access her skills for success programs to help business leaders at http://www.elizabeth-johnston.com/.
To listen to her “Own Your Creativity” podcast episodes, go to https://ownyourcreativity.podbean.com/.
To read the show notes, go to https://traceyarial.com/blog/elizabeth-johnston/2020-03-2731 min
Unapologetically CanadianRishad Quazi Helps Non-profits use TechnologyRishad Quazi helps large companies use technology to build relationships among team members and with their clients. Now, he’s taking his expertise to the non-profit sector. Read all about it at https://traceyarial.com/blog/rishad-quazi.2020-03-2750 min
Unapologetically CanadianFarewell 2018 Hello 2019We are now well into the twenty-first century and the hopes and dreams of our ancestors are well within reach or even surpassed. So where do we go from here? For the show notes and a transcript of this episode, go to https://traceyarial.com/blog/farewell-2018-hello-2019/.2020-03-2711 min
Somewhere in the Middle with Michele BarardSomewhere in the Middle Welcomes Creative Entrepreneur Tracey ArialCreative Entrepreneur Tracey Arial shares about creating the seasonal life she wanted and how feeling uncomfortable can serve in our creative and personal development.
Creative entrepreneur Tracey Arial lives a seasonal life.
In the summer, she helps Montreal residents grow and buy local healthy food and purchase compost and handcrafted items through the non-profit solidarity cooperative called Coopérative Abondance Urbaine Solidaire (CAUS).
During the winter, she encourages family historians, solopreneurs and small business owners to read and produce Notable Nonfiction through books, courses and private coaching.
Keep up with her work via her blog, monthly n...2019-04-131h 00
Own Your CreativityCreating a Seasonal Life Tracey Arial 87Tracey Arial: Helping Canadians grow via local action, notable nonfiction and seasonal living.
traceyarial.com
To join Elizabeth Johnston for the live webinar, From Seed to Story, sign up at bit.ly/seedtostory
2019-03-0739 min
Unapologetically CanadianSpeaking with Cathy Saint John about One for the BoysIn this interview, I speak with Cathy Saint John about the book she released today. In One for the Boys, Saint John writes about her beloved brother John Wayne Saint John Blake. Blake earned the Bronze Star serving in Vietnam with the 75th infantry of the 173rd Airborne Regiment. He also became famous in 1982 by donning full combat gear to carry an American flag 3,200 miles across the United States from Fort Lewis, Seattle to Yorktown, Virginia on foot to garner attention for Vietnam Vets suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. We talk about her struggle trying to bury Blake's remains...2018-10-2541 min
Unapologetically CanadianJulie Quenneville fundraises for breast cancer treatmentMUHC Foundation President Julie Quenneville talks about the needs met by the annual Enchantée fundraiser for the MUHC Breast Clinic wellness program. She also speaks about her work with others trying to figure out why kind of country we want to live in. To see the transcript and show notes, refer to https://traceyarial.com/blog/julie-quenneville/.2018-10-1129 min
Unapologetically CanadianRobert Cairns talks digital marketingRobert Cairns, the Chief Creator of Amazing Ideas for StunningDigitalMarketing.com, handles web design, WordPress security, PPC campaigns, branding, Inside Advantage Work, email campaigns, digital products and consulting for small businesses and fortune 500 companies. For more information, refer to the show notes at https://traceyarial.com/blog/robert-cairns2018-09-2533 min
Unapologetically CanadianAlternative investing with Bradley SemmelhaackIt's been 20 years since Montreal-based Crystalline Management began offering private investors and small businesses investment diversity tools similar to those used by major funds. Portfolio manager Bradley Semmelhaack joins me to describe a typical day in the office, explaining a bit about arbitrage, hedge funds and investment philosophy along the way. To read a transcript of our conversation, refer to: https://traceyarial.com/blog/unapologetically-canadian-episode-10-alternative-investing-with-bradley-semmelhaack/.2018-09-1839 min
Unapologetically CanadianEnvironmental lawyer Charles O'Brien's EMF caseIndependent environmental lawyer Charles O'Brien describes why his EMF case should be authorized as a class action and why he practices solo in Montreal. To him, being a Canadian means valuing diversity and enjoying a sense of community. To read the transcript, refer to: https://traceyarial.com/blog/charles-obrien-emf-case/.2018-07-1722 min
Unapologetically CanadianPedro Gregorio explains how EMF harms peopleIn this discussion, Pedro Gregorio defines electromagnetic fields, describes how they are exponentially growing in our environment and explains the way they harm flora, fauna and animals. For a copy of the transcript, refer to https://traceyarial.com/blog/pedro-emf-harms-people/.2018-07-1739 min
Unapologetically CanadianMarcel Durand and the case against electromagnetic fieldsMarcel Durand learned about the dangers electromagnetic fields have on his health years ago. Now he's working on various lawsuits that alleges industry and governments colluded to hurt Canadians since 1999. He wants the court to force them to protect our health before more damage occurs. For more information, refer to: https://traceyarial.com/blog/marcel-durand/.2018-05-3032 min
Unapologetically CanadianKeith Neuman and Canada's World Survey 2018Canadians value multiculturalism, welcome refugees and send more money overseas than our government does. These are just a few of the results from Canada's World Survey 2018. I spoke to Keith Neuman, the Executive Director of Environics about the survey last week. For more info, refer to https://traceyarial.com/blog/canadas-world-survey-2018/.2018-04-2544 min
Unapologetically CanadianFriends across borders: Richard Davidson remembers Leo Brent GunningFriends across borders: Richard Davidson talks about the death of Leo Brent Gunning in Vietnam fifty years ago after organizing a commemoration in Potsdam, New York with Gunning's sister, Colleen Taylor. For more info, refer to https://traceyarial.com/blog/friends-across-borders/.2018-04-1225 min
Unapologetically CanadianWriter teacher and translator Sherry Simon explores how language expresses identityMontreal writer, teacher and translator Sherry Simon studies how shifts in language express a city's constantly-changing culture. For more information, refer to my post about our discussion at https://traceyarial.com/blog/sherry-simon/.2018-03-2839 min
Unapologetically CanadianBrian Perron's vision for a mission in the cityThis conversation with Brian Perron, the leader behind Verdun’s Church of the Epiphany comes from my archives. Loved Brian’s definition of being Canadian: “Freedom, the chance to do what we want and the chance to make something of ourselves and bring other people along.” For more information, refer to the show notes at: https://traceyarial.com/blog/brian_perron/. Note: Since this episode aired, Brian has moved to St-Barnabas Anglican Church in Saint Lambert.2018-03-2116 min
Unapologetically CanadianBuilding community with David LefneskiI spoke with David about building community roots and being accepted for who he is. You can read the transcript at https://traceyarial.com/blog/david-lefneski/.2018-03-1320 min
Unapologetically CanadianSeasonal, abundant and freeA Canadian identity reflects an essential part of who I am. To me, being Canadian means to live a seasonal (we have eight different seasons), free and abundant life. For the show notes, visit https://traceyarial.com/blog/seasonal-free-and-abundant/.2018-03-0614 min