Shows
The Discovery PodPond-Deshpande Centre With Vanessa Paesani, Executive DirectorReady for impact? Journey with us into the heart of the Pond-Deshpande Centre, where groundbreaking ideas ignite real-world change! In this captivating episode, Douglas Nelson sits down with the dynamic Vanessa Paesani, the Pond-Deshpande Centre's Executive Director, to unravel the powerful connection between innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Prepare to discover how they're fostering collaboration, sparking systemic shifts, and empowering the very individuals who are shaping a better tomorrow. Get ready for an engaging conversation packed with insights on leadership, resilience, and the incredible power of turning bold visions into lasting impact – you won't want to miss this!2025-04-2326 min
Polarizing Conversations10 - What makes reconciliation a polarizing topic? with Michelle BrassIn our final episode of season 1, we have the honour of being joined by Michelle Brass to discuss the guiding question, ‘what makes reconciliation a polarizing topic?” Michelle is a speaker, writer, and health and wellness coach deeply committed to the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples and communities. She’s the creator of the SHAWL Program, a health and wellness program that leads people to become Sustainable Health and Wellness Leaders (SHAWL), and eventually SHAWL Certified Facilitators within their communities. The program addresses the aspects of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, rooted in an Indigenous approach to commun...2023-08-0946 min
Polarizing Conversations09 - What can we learn from exploring polarizing conversations? with Louise AdongoI’m honoured to have my guest today be Louise Adongo, executive director of Inspiring Communities! Louise has been a friend over the years, sharing resources - books and ideas - and was the first one to believe in this concept of exploring polarizing conversations. I hope you’ll join us for this great conversation about what we can learn about ourselves through exploring polarizing conversations. Louise Adongo is a bold and grounded leader who brings over a decade of experience in systems change, policy and evaluation to Inspiring Communities. She is known for bringing care and intent...2023-06-2126 min
Polarizing Conversations08 - How might we create antiracist futures? with Ivan OkelloIvan Okello is a first-generation immigrant from Uganda, East Africa currently based in the Siknikt district of the unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq, a city also known as Moncton, NB. Ivan currently serves as the Project Manager of Antiracism Initiatives at the New Brunswick Multicultural Council (NBMC). He is an educator and storyteller who believes in using education as a medium for bridging social inequities and advancing social change. His goal is to live in a society free of injustice. Ivan’s educational background includes Gender studies, International Development and Antiracism/decolonization. He has...2023-05-1045 min
Polarizing Conversations07 - What makes abortion such a polarizing topic? with Katie DaveyI had the pleasure of discussing one of the polarizing topics I can imagine with someone I have a lot of respect for - Katie Davey. Katie Davey is the Executive Director of the Pond-Deshpande Centre at the University of New Brunswick. She is a public policy entrepreneur working at the intersection of our biggest social and economic challenges. She uses creative and innovative solutions to improve or solve existing policy, program, and system challenges, specifically those challenges that create inequalities and impact the most vulnerable people in our world. Her goal is to redesign our systems...2023-04-1946 min
Polarizing Conversations06 - How might you be a Muslim Canadian? with Aatif BaskanderiAatif Baskanderi is CEO of The Northpine Foundation, a startup philanthropic foundation supporting ventures to achieve scalable outcomes for underserved and underinvested communities in Canada. Their starting portfolios include refugees, formerly incarcerated persons, climate, carbon, and nature. Northpine deploys around $40M annually through gifts, grants, loans, equity, and hybrid means - and, more importantly, aims to build deep relationships with its portfolio organizations as they pursue their ventures. Aatif is also the Co-Founder of Salaam B’y, an award-winning documentary and anti-racism education initiative. His previous work spans multiple angles, leading innovation across sectors and communities. His ed...2023-04-0538 min
Polarizing Conversations05 - What are the responsibilities of being a Canadian? with Inda IntiarInda Intiar is a first-generation immigrant based in the Siknikt district of the unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq, in a city colonially known as Moncton, NB. She is a storyteller and facilitator who brings a global perspective from growing up across multiple countries. Inda is a big believer in the power of storytelling for social impact. She’s currently a member of Inspiring Communities’ Atlantic Changemakers Council, a Transformation Storytelling Fellow with Community Foundations Canada, and a Communications and Outreach Coordinator with Students on Ice Foundation. Inda holds a bachelor’s degree in Journ...2023-03-2243 min
Polarizing Conversations04 - How can disability frame our perception of the right to choose? - with Paul WalshWhen I was working through the concept of this podcast with Louise Adongo, the executive director of Inspiring Communities, she suggested I consider exploring a theme of right to choose. Right to choose topics are very polarizing: vaccinations, abortion, medical assistance in dying, religious wear, and so many more. Louise had been a stalwart supporter of one of my other projects, Amplify: East - this was a topic exploring the stories of women in their own voices, born out of the frustration that a years ago, no one could seem to find any qualified women to interview. I’m...2023-03-0941 min
Amplified with Vanessa PaesaniThank You & A Sneak Preview Into What’s NextThank you for tuning in to Amplified, supporting Amplify: East in various ways and being a believer that there isn’t a shortage of remarkable women in Atlantic Canada (or anywhere)! In this final and very short episode of Amplified, I close this chapter and give you a sneak preview of my next podcast project, “Polarizing Conversations” which is graciously supported by Inspiring Communities. The first episode will air in January 2023, and biweekly after that for 10 episodes. Stay tuned for more details!2023-02-2808 minAmplified with Vanessa PaesaniEpisode 10: Creating an inclusive economy, with Alexandra McCannJoin me for our last Amplified conversation with the inimitable Alexandra McCann, Executive Director of ONSIDE. ONSIDE’s mission is a prosperous Nova Scotia driven by inclusive innovation, entrepreneurship, and comparative advantage. Alexandra has a wide-ranging, impressive background. She was the Chief Operating Officer for Dockside Investco, a Nova Scotia-based portfolio management company; as well as the CEO for Baie Run Pet Products, a natural products start-up, focused on pet wellness including, omega3s and supplements sold in the U.S. and Canada. She holds an MA in Pacific Asian Studies from the University of London, School of...2023-02-2838 minAmplified with Vanessa PaesaniEpisode 9: Being intentional about diversity with Amplify’s curator, Liesl Harewood MulhollandJoin me for this beautiful conversation with Liesl Harewood Mulholland. Liesl has been a LINCHPIN behind Amplify: East since its inception. She joined me to curate all of our stories not long after the project’s inception. In 2019, she wrote “I see you” to talk about her work curating stories for Amplify: East. With a background in Law and Diplomatic Studies, Liesl is an International Trade and Development Consultant and Entrepreneur with over thirteen years practical expertise in business, gender and youth development, human rights, entrepreneurship, trade in services and trade facilitation. The ability to engage diverse individu...2023-02-2836 minAmplified with Vanessa PaesaniEpisode 8: Connecting with mentors can change the trajectory of your career, with Techsploration & EnPointJoin me for this ultra-inspiring conversation with Emily Boucher, Interim Executive Director of Techsploration and Chantal Brine, CEO of EnPoint. Emily and Chantal both share personal stories of how mentorship has transformed both their careers and lives, and share how they’ve used this as fuel in their work helping connect girls and young women to women in under-represented fields to light up possibilities that may not have otherwise been considered. We all want to live whole, integrated lives and there are lots of inspiring stories in this conversation to inspire us to connect more deeply – with ourselv...2023-02-2835 minAmplified with Vanessa PaesaniEpisode 7: Gender + UX, with Ceara CrawshawI met Ceara Crawshaw at a water cooler at Startupfest 2018 in Montreal. It goes to show the importance of staying open because you never really know when you’re going to happen upon a great conversation! Ceara and I somehow got to talking about podcasts and planned a follow-up chat for a few weeks later. I looked into her work freelancing in UX design (user experience, if you’re not familiar with the acronym – and no worries if you’re not, I can barely keep track of the acronyms I need to use on a daily basis!) – UX is something...2023-02-2843 minAmplified with Vanessa PaesaniEpisode 6: Prompting deeper thinking, with Christy GrayChristy Gray is one of the most thoughtful people I’ve met – which I think you’ll agree with after listening to this gem of an interview with her. I met Christy in 2012 in an 8-month leadership development program and since then, she’s gone on to complete a PhD, run multiple businesses and become a mom. Like me, she’s passionate about books, so she decided to get into business distributing Barefoot Books because their company ethos really reflected her values. Some of my takeaways from this conversation include: Books can be used to prompt de...2023-02-2847 minAmplified with Vanessa PaesaniEpisode 5: Practice, with Nadine KellyI hope you’re ready for a treat! I had this chat with Nadine Kelly in 2018 – we met through a podcasting fellowship and she kindly agreed to be interviewed for the show. Nadine is a physician-turned-entrepreneur, who teaches yoga and curates beautiful spaces for people – in particular, women. Her website, Yogi MD, lists her purpose as “empowering & educating women to care for mind, body, & spirit” and I think you’ll hear in this interview that’s exactly what she excels in. Some of my takeaways from this conversation include: A gentle and polite no as a practice of self...2023-02-2843 minAmplified with Vanessa PaesaniEpisode 4: Femme Wonk, with Katie DaveyKatie Davey is a rising star in New Brunswick. I first met her a few years ago when she was competing in ‘Our Top Talent’ – an event I co-organized with longtime colleague, Rachel Mathis. The event was designed for top graduating students to connect with NB employers. After I launched Amplify, Katie was one of the first people to reach out to support and discuss the idea. She recently launched Femme Wonk – designed to provide a platform to discuss gendered decision making. She reached out to see if I would chat for her podcast and I asked if we could c...2023-02-2831 minAmplified with Vanessa PaesaniEpisode 3: #NotASupplyProblem, with Louise AdongoLouise Adongo was one of the first people I approached when I was considering launching what became ‘Amplify’. I approached Louise because she’s one of the most thoughtful people I know and she’s very good at giving real, direct and gentle feedback – a very rare skill. She suggested the tagline, ‘#NotASupplyProblem’ in an email, and as soon as I read it, I knew that encapsulated EXACTLY what I wanted to achieve with this. I’m so honoured to have had this conversation with Louise – I hope you enjoy it too. It’s wide-ranging and we talk about ever...2023-02-2844 minAmplified with Vanessa PaesaniEpisode 2: Reframing gender in tech, with Sage FranchThanks so much for joining me for episode 2! I absolutely loved this conversation with Sage Franch. I learned so much – I hope you take away lots too! A few notes on this conversation: This was recorded in late summer / early Fall – you’ll hear Sage mention moving to Montreal for an accelerator, which they’ve since completed. I met Sage through her business co-founder, Stefan Kollenberg – thanks so much for the introduction, Stefan! I was outside for this conversation, so you’ll hear a bit of wind and a few birds – my apologies! Still learning about audio 🙂 You ca...2023-02-2833 minAmplified with Vanessa PaesaniEpisode 1: Be a mom and be fit, with Caroline MackayThanks so much for joining me in this new adventure into podcasting. I started working on this project a little over 6 months ago. It’s taught me that I tend to get a little overwhelmed by technical stuff, and that going back to the basics is important and outsourcing what I dread is even MORE important! My favourite part of the process was by FAR having these conversations. I’ve learned so much from each and every conversation, and I’m so excited for you to join for the first conversation in the series with Caroline Mackay. I hope you...2023-02-2831 minAmplified with Vanessa PaesaniAmplified TrailerWelcome to Amplified! I want to live in a world where gender doesn’t restrict opportunity – for anyone. Amplified is part of that journey. Join me in this 10 part series of interviews with women and men as we discuss gender through exploring individual journeys. I can’t wait for you to join me in these discussions – looking forward to hearing your thoughts.2023-02-2800 min
Polarizing Conversations03 - How Might We Decentralize Our Stories? - with Shreetee AppaduJoin me for this great conversation with Shreetee Appadu where we explore the question, “How might we decentralize our stories?” I met Shreetee through Inspiring Communities’ Atlantic Changemakers Council. Shreetee is a queer, bisexual, non-binary settler of colour from Mauritius, who moved to kjipuktuk in 2017 for their studies. They did a Bachelor in Environmental studies with a minor in Geography at St. Mary’s University (SMU), and are very passionate about environmental justice, intersectionality and community care. They are a member of the Racialized Student Academic Network coordinated by Dr. Benita Bunjun, which is a closed space for raci...2023-02-2245 min
Polarizing Conversations02 - How Might Exploring Our Own Legacy Lead Us to Common Ground? - with KJ Conyers-SteedeKJ and I are both currently fellows with Inspiring Communities, exploring systems and changing systems through different stories. I asked him to join me on the podcast to explore some of the topics from his fellowship article, “Who has power? Who exercises control? Who needs to build trust?”. Power and control are polarizing topics. In this conversation, we explore how colonialism and identity can be polarizing, difficult conversations and how we can find our way to common ground. KJ suggests engaging with elders, something that I deeply believe in as well. Who is KJ? For over ei...2023-02-0844 min
Polarizing Conversations01 - How Might Teaching Debate Skills Help Us Navigate Polarizing Conversations? - with Scott Stirrett, CEO and Founder of Venture for CanadaI met Scott Stirrett in 2016, and have been impressed with his tenacity, curiosity, drive and kindness since then. Scott is the CEO and Founder of Venture for Canada - a national charity focused on accelerating the entrepreneurialism of young Canadians. He is participating in Action Canada - a 10-month public policy leadership program with a 17-year track that aims to enhance emerging leaders’ understanding of the country and public policy choices for the future. In December 2022, Scott contributed an opinion piece to the Globe and Mail entitled, "Teaching debate skills will strengthen democracy". The first paragraph reads as such: Increasing political an...2023-01-2539 min
Polarizing ConversationsIntroduction to Polarizing ConversationsPolarizing Conversations in supported by Inspiring Communities - an equity centred systems change leader in Atlantic Canada. On this podcast, we'll be taking a critical look at the systems that are in place and whether or not they are fair and equitable for everyone. We'll also be examining how certain views and perspectives can change depending on what you read or who you speak to. It's important to challenge yourself and think about why you see something a certain way and whether or not there is a certain bias at play. Next week is our first guest episode with...2023-01-1810 minPolarizing ConversationsPolarizing Conversations TrailerRight to choose. Freedom of speech. Housing and homelessness. These are just some of the polarizing conversations we're exploring as a society in 2023. We're at a time in history where these topics seem harder to discuss than ever. Join host, Vanessa Paesani, as we explore the most difficult conversations of our time - subscribe to the podcast wherever you usually listen, including YouTube. Episode 1 drops January 18th.2023-01-1101 min
Soul Sister ConversationsEP 139 What a Starting a New Path to Spirituality Looks Like with Vanessa PaesaniVanessa Paesani is founder of Amplify East (Tag line: remarkable women are not a supply problem). Vanessa has been involved in social purpose for awhile, but in 2021, she took a deep dive into spirituality and she says this has been her most significant journey thus far.
Her entry into spirituality started by researching health and longevity which led her to read The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner. We have a wonderful conversation.
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We talk about:
✔️social purpose
✔️what her spiritual practice looks like.
✔️ what happens when you start a spiritual journey
✔️ the different ways we are led to spirituality
✔️ why this is her most...2021-10-3150 min
Amplified with Vanessa PaesaniAmplified #7: Gender + UX, with Ceara CrawshawI met Ceara Crawshaw at a water cooler at Startupfest 2018 in Montreal. It goes to show the importance of staying open because you never really know when you’re going to happen upon a great conversation! Ceara and I somehow got to talking about podcasts and planned a follow-up chat for a few weeks later. ... Read More2019-02-1943 minAmplified with Vanessa PaesaniAmplified #6: Prompting deeper thinking, with Christy GrayChristy Gray is one of the most thoughtful people I’ve met – which I think you’ll agree with after listening to this gem of an interview with her. I met Christy in 2012 in an 8-month leadership development program and since then, she’s gone on to complete a PhD, run multiple businesses and become a... Read More2019-02-1247 minAmplified with Vanessa PaesaniAmplified #4: Femme Wonk, with Katie DaveyKatie Davey is a rising star in New Brunswick. I first met her a few years ago when she was competing in ‘Our Top Talent’ – an event I co-organized with longtime colleague, Rachel Mathis. The event was designed for top graduating students to connect with NB employers. After I launched Amplify, Katie was one... Read More2019-01-2931 min
Femme Wonk by Katie DaveyEpisode 4: Amplify!I'm joined by Vanessa Paesani of Amplify East. We talk about why she created Amplify East, the importance of highlighting and supporting diverse representation, and about being inclusive when we have difficult conversations.
Vanessa also mentioned a book she has been loving -- The Person You Mean to Be by Dolly Chugh. Check it out here https://amzn.to/2SetEET2019-01-2929 minAmplified with Vanessa PaesaniAmplified #3: #NotASupplyProblem, with Louise AdongoLouise Adongo was one of the first people I approached when I was considering launching what became ‘Amplify’. I approached Louise because she’s one of the most thoughtful people I know and she’s very good at giving real, direct and gentle feedback – a very rare skill. She suggested the tagline, ‘#NotASupplyProblem’ in an email,... Read More2019-01-2244 minAmplified with Vanessa PaesaniAmplified #2: Reframing gender in tech, with Sage FranchThanks so much for joining me for episode 2! I absolutely loved this conversation with Sage Franch. I learned so much – I hope you take away lots too! A few notes on this conversation: This was recorded in late summer / early Fall – you’ll hear Sage mention moving to Montreal for an accelerator,... Read More2019-01-1433 minAmplified with Vanessa PaesaniAmplified #1: Be a mom and be fit, with Caroline MackayThanks so much for joining me in this new adventure into podcasting. I started working on this project a little over 6 months ago. It’s taught me that I tend to get a little overwhelmed by technical stuff, and that going back to the basics is important and outsourcing what I dread is even MORE... Read More2019-01-0531 minAmplified with Vanessa PaesaniWelcome to Amplified!I want to live in a world where gender doesn’t restrict opportunity – for anyone. Amplified is part of that journey. Join me each week for interviews with women and men as we discuss gender through exploring individual journeys. I can’t wait for you to join me in these discussions – looking forward to hearing... Read More2018-11-1100 min