My guest today is an indigenous chef, restauranteur, unstoppable entrepreneur and remarkable woman. Jenna White’s philosophy is simple yet profound: food brings people to the table and creates a doorway to experience the vibrant diversity of cultures. I love that Jenna says you can make life work for you and “you have the ability to…
My guest today was the first African Nova Scotian and second woman to be appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. She is the second African Canadian to be appointed Lieutenant Governor in Canada. I have admired the Honourable Dr. Mayann Francis from afar for many years. Her accomplishments are many, including many honorary…
Renegades use their voices to change the world. Are you a renegade? I would define a renegade as someone who goes against the norm, speaks up and acts in order to facilitate change. In my experience, renegades tend to spring from marginalized communities, from a desire to change the status quo. I am a renegade…
Join guest Cynthia Kinnunen and host and creator Meryl Cook for this wide ranging and insightful conversation about women in midlife, and the role of music in forming a new identity and sense of purpose at this life stage. Discover how Cynthia’s life is like a birch tree and hear her advice for women wanting…
Some of my favourite artist dates lately have been going to an art opening at The Muir Hotel True Colours Gallery. I went with two of my favourite artist friends, and my mentor Deanne Fitzpatrick was one of the three artists with work in the show. It was wonderful to connect with old and new…
Juanita Peters is an actor, film and stage director, playwright and more. And host Meryl Cook admits to having a bit of a fan girl crush on her for being one of the directors of the award-winning series Diggstown. Join host Meryl Cook and guest Juanita Peters for this fearless and fun renegade conversation. Learn…
Rosmarie Lohnes is an Ecological Landscape Designer, Speaker, Consultant and Educator and she is trying to flip the landscaping world upside down! One of North America’s leading experts in protecting priceless coastal properties from erosion, Rosmarie is the founder and CEO of Helping Nature Heal, an award-winning landscape design company that has been recognized globally for…
Tia Upshaw is an author, serial entrepreneur, mentor, motivational speaker and more. We recently sat down to have a Renegade Conversation that was heart warming, inspiring, fun and authentic. Tia Upshaw is a dynamic force, blending roles as a devoted mother, accomplished author, and serial entrepreneur. Balancing the demands of raising three children, Tia says…
I’m taking my own advice and practicing self care this morning. Self care is easy to ‘fit in’ when life is not busy. It’s more challenging when I’m busier, or more tired. I know in order to be my best self I need to practise extra self care when I feel this way. When I…
Maddie Kertay is the BadAss Quilter, outspoken advocate for making the quilting space a diverse and welcoming space for all. When she is not caring for critical care neonatal kittens, or rebuilding old houses herself you can find her online or at local shows and trade events fostering community for liberal quilters, sewists and crafts…
It’s that season in Nova Scotia, Canada where we bundle up in our parkas and sit outside on a sunny day drinking tea and listening to the birds. Each sunny day feels like a gift. A gift of ease and potential warmth. Here’s an excerpt from my journal about accepting gifts and basking: The gift…
Nancy Regan is a professional communicator whose dynamic career includes TV and Podcast hosting, MCing, and Presentation Coaching. She recently released her first book From Showing Off to Showing Up, an open and vulnerable account of her experience with Impostor Syndrome and perfectionism, and her journey to a life of authenticity. Join host Meryl Cook…
My experience is that if I get too busy and don’t make time for down time, quiet time, time to listen, the Universe sends me an ‘opportunity’. My most recent opportunity came in the form of a fall while running in mid-December. I tripped while going over a wooden bridge over the canal and landed…
What do you want to create in your life? What would that feel like, look like? These are the questions I’m considering as I mark moving into my 68th year and the changing of the calendar to 2024. Here is an excerpt from my journal as I work through these questions. As I contemplate, I…
Jenn Salib Huber is a trailblazer! Her social media posts often begin with “Now this may be an unpopular opinion …”. She’s not afraid to speak out, to question the status quo and to be a leader and innovator. Join host Meryl Cook and guest Jenn Salib Huber for this Renegade Conversation about body positivity…