Chatter that Matters

One of the most extraordinary guests I’ve ever had on Chatter That Matters—and someone who truly put a dent in our universe—is Dr. Oscar Arias, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and two-time President of Costa Rica. Hear his stories of how he had to work with or defy Reagan, Bush, Thatcher, Castro, and so many more. To set the stage: In 1986, Central America was on fire. Civil wars raged in Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The United States and the Soviet Union armed opposing sides. The region was drowning in ideology, bloodshed, and fear. Then came Oscar Arias, the newly elected President of Costa Rica—a nation with no military. While others escalated the violence, Arias chose defiance. He expelled U.S.-backed rebels from Costa Rican soil, rejected global pressure, and authored the Arias Peace Plan. This bold diplomatic initiative helped bring five nations to the table and bring an end to years of war. Oscar Arias didn’t just defy world leaders; he defied the odds and changed the course of history. In 1987, Arias was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. But he didn’t stop there. Through the Arias Foundation for Peace & Human Progress, he helped spark the UN Arms Trade Treaty—the first legally binding agreement to regulate the global weapons trade. And now, in his 80s, Oscar Arias is on one last mission: To build a Global Peace Museum in Costa Rica. A place to remind the world that peace isn’t idealistic, it's possible, if given a chance. I

Living Full Throttle is a conversation with Sheryl Ramstad, a woman whose story defies the odds and redefines resilience. At 29, on her first solo flight, a fiery plane crash left her body burned and her survival chances below one percent. But from that inferno emerged not just a survivor, but a force of reinvention — federal prosecutor, judge, corrections commissioner, marathon runner, mountain climber, and nurse. In this episode, Sheryl shares how faith, family, purpose, and a relentless spirit carried her through unimaginable pain and propelled her into a life of service and impact. Her memoir, Living Life Full Throttle: Surviving, Serving, and Summiting, is a testament to what’s possible when we choose to live with intention and courage. If you’re facing adversity, rebuilding after loss, or questioning whether you have what it takes to begin again — this episode is for you. Sheryl’s journey reminds us that healing isn’t linear, that fear never truly disappears, and that the most powerful act of resilience is to keep putting one foot in front of the other. This isn’t just a story of survival — it’s a blueprint for transformation. To buy her book: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Life-Full-Throttle-Surviving/dp/1960876805

I encourage you to listen to Dan Monaghan, who is a trailblazer, an entrepreneur extraordinaire and whose energy is contagious. His approach to life, his appetite for life, is something we can all draw from. Dan shares his journey from humble beginnings in Canada to building global ventures, including the pioneering digital agency network WSI. We explore Dan’s innovative approach to franchising, the disruptive impact of AI, and the vital role of curiosity and continuous learning in navigating rapid change. Dan is also a sought-after speaker worldwide. Words of wisdom for individuals, businesses, and, I would argue, Canada, combined with a great storyteller who embodies positivity and possibility, await. And my special thanks to RBC for supporting small business owners and Chatter That Matters. https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/business/index.html

Jason Demers played over 700 games in the NHL, represented Canada at the Olympics, and was the “glue in the locker room” for five franchises. Teammates knew him as the guy who brought humor, energy, and heart. But inside, Jason was battling something invisible—crippling anxiety that made every night feel like fighting for his life. Jason opens up about the duality of his career: the confident defenceman fans saw on the ice, and the young man masking stress and fear with substances and a smile in the dressing room. He discusses injuries, pressure, and the emotional toll of professional sports, but also about resilience, rediscovery, and what it means to find peace. Today, Jason is helping young adults address their mental health challenges with tools such as breathwork, journaling, and emotional vulnerability. His mission is simple: if he can help even one kid feel less alone, then every struggle he went through was worth it.

They broke barriers, challenged the status quo, and redefined what authentic leadership can be. Three women. One stage. A masterclass in leading with heart, purpose, and courage. Recorded live at the sold-out Work The Room Leadership Summit 2025, I sat down with three trailblazing women leaders who inspire change: Linda Kuga Pikulin, President of ROOM and Women of Influence; Alycia Calvert, Chair and CEO of EY Canada; and Karen Mueller, CEO of SterileCare. Linda shares how embracing vulnerability transformed her into a more authentic leader. Alycia explains why saying “yes” before you feel ready can accelerate career growth, and why mentorship matters. Karen reveals how a single tragic moment in nursing inspired her to drive healthcare innovation and policy change, and why listening remains the most powerful tool for overcoming the status quo. From mentorship to healthcare transformation, from bold decision-making to vulnerability in leadership—these extraordinary stories offer leadership lessons that will inspire you to lead with impact. Room is an organization dedicated to advancing gender equity in senior leadership. To find out more: https://www.roomwomen.com

They broke barriers, challenged the status quo, and redefined what authentic leadership can be. Three women. One stage. A masterclass in leading with heart, purpose, and courage. Recorded live at the sold-out Work The Room Leadership Summit 2025, I sat down with three trailblazing women leaders who inspire change: Linda Kuga Pikulin, President of ROOM and Women of Influence; Alycia Calvert, Chair and CEO of EY Canada; and Karen Mueller, CEO of SterileCare. Linda shares how embracing vulnerability transformed her into a more authentic leader, and how a bold business decision reshaped an entire market. Alycia explains why saying “yes” before you feel ready can accelerate career growth, and how diverse mentors and sponsors fueled her rise to the top. Karen reveals how a single tragic moment in nursing inspired her to drive healthcare innovation and policy change, and why listening remains the most powerful tool for overcoming the status quo. From mentorship to healthcare transformation, from bold decision-making to vulnerability in leadership—these extraordinary stories offer leadership lessons that will inspire you to lead with impact. Room is an organization dedicated to advancing gender equity in senior leadership. To find out more: https://www.roomwomen.com.

“We found David Chilton’s phone number on the back of The Wealthy Barber, picked up the phone, and just called. He answered. That one call changed everything.” They had cushy jobs and no culinary credentials—just a shared dream between two sisters to write a cookbook that combined truly healthy recipes with laugh-out-loud humour. It was bold. It was different. And it was rejected by publishers. Seven times. But Greta and Janet Podleski didn’t give up. They poured themselves into the work—testing every recipe, writing every pun, designing every page. And then they took one last shot. On the back of The Wealthy Barber, they found David Chilton’s phone number. They called. He answered. His Mom loved the recipes, so he went all in. Together, they formed their own publishing company and launched Looneyspoons, a cookbook that would become a national sensation. It wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. They followed it up with Crazy Plates and Eat, Shrink & Be Merry, creating a Canadian cookbook empire defined by heart, humour, and health. Millions of copies sold. A Food Network show. A movement. The sisters went their own way, but Greta wasn't done. What came next was a stunning solo debut, Deliciously Yours—and now, a triumphant follow-up: Every Salad Ever. Sold exclusively at Indigo, it has topped the charts since its debut, proving Greta’s recipes—and her voice—resonate as strongly as ever. You will be hooked from the first few seconds as Greta shares the full journey: the hustle, the heartbreak, the humour, and the healing. It’s a masterclass in perseverance, creativity, and chasing and realizing a dream—even when the world says no. And my biggest takeaway - Sometimes the difference between a dream that fades and one that flies is one phone call—and someone who believes in you. To buy Greta's book: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/every-salad-ever-from-grains-to-greens-and-pasta-to-beans-plus-every-salad-in-betweens-indigo-exclusive/9781775047018.html

You’re lying on the ground, your body completely paralyzed. You can hear voices around you, footsteps moving closer, then away. You’re fully aware of everything, but you can’t speak, can’t move, can’t signal that you’re there. You are trapped inside your own body, and you know your life is hanging by a thread, yet you have no way of letting anyone know you need urgent help. Minutes feel like hours. And what if the people who do find you believe you’ve brought this on yourself? This was the sudden nightmare Ian McGann lived through when he suffered a catastrophic brain stem stroke, one so rare and severe that he was given only a 5% chance of survival. His body shut down, but his mind never did. What followed was a harrowing journey—delayed medical treatment shaped by stigma, moments of despair and defiance, and ultimately, a recovery that defied every odd stacked against him. Ian shares what shaped his survival and the new purpose he’s carrying forward. It’s a raw, unflinching conversation about life, loss, and second chances that will stay with you long after you listen.

What if everything you worked for—your savings, your home, even your identity—could be stolen without a weapon or a warning? In this chilling yet empowering episode of Chatter That Matters, recorded live at the Toronto Hunt Club, I moderate a critical conversation on the growing threat of cybercrime—and how we can fight back. Joining me are three remarkable minds from the frontlines of this invisible war: Margot Denomme, former Crown Attorney, author and advocate for youth digital safety, compares giving a child a smartphone to handing them car keys without a manual. She’s on a mission to delay smartphone use, reform digital education, and protect self-esteem before it’s shattered by comparison culture. Milos Stojadinovic, RBC’s cybersecurity expert, explains how cybercrime has become a multi-trillion-dollar global industry, complete with 24/7 malware support and AI-powered deepfakes-his warning: the identity crisis is just beginning. Detective Sergeant Colin Organ, head of York Region’s Financial Crimes Unit, shares heartbreaking stories of victims who lost everything to scams—and exposes a justice system struggling to respond to these crimes as anything more than “non-violent.” Why this episode matters: Cybercrime is no longer fringe—it’s global, organized, and relentless. As AI accelerates the threat, we must take action to protect our families, finances, and future. You’ll learn: How to build habits that shield you from scams Why criminals are always a step ahead—and how to close the gap What parents must know before giving their child a phone Why outdated laws leave us all more vulnerable Whether deepfakes and AI put humanity itself at risk Subscribe to Chatter That Matters and take the first step toward cyber resilience. Because in this fight, awareness isn’t just power—it’s protection. To buy Margot Denomme's brilliant book: The Family Smartphone Guide: https://www.amazon.ca/Family-Smartphone-Guide-Navigate-Smartphones/dp/0992034043 To read articles from RBC on CyberCrime and prevention: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/en-ca/my-money-matters/topic/cyber-security/

“Being dry is just changing your drink. Being sober is changing everything.” — Jordan Kawchuk. Jordan Kawchuk is a brilliant storyteller, a former media professional, and a father—but for over 30 years, he was also an alcoholic. In this raw and revealing episode, Jordan opens up about a lifetime battle that has taken him through 20 treatment centers, estranged him from the people he loves most, and nearly consumed his identity. Yet today, at 50-something and nine months sober, he speaks with honesty, humility, and surprising humour about what it means to recover, to reconnect, and to begin again. I follow Jordan through the wreckage and the rebuilding. From the seductive lure of martinis and jazz to relapses in hotel rooms, from moments of public failure to private reckoning—Jordan spares nothing. He offers insight into the difference between being “dry” and truly being “sober,” the power of storytelling as a healing act, and how he’s learning to live, love, and listen—one moment at a time. Whether you or someone you know is battling addiction, or you’re simply human and healing from life’s frictions, this is a conversation that matters.

What does it take to reinvent yourself—again and again—while remaining grounded in gratitude and generosity? In this inspiring episode recorded in front of a live audience, I sit down with the one and only Canadian icon and my dear friend, Arlene Dickinson, the beloved “matriarch of Dragon’s Den." We explore the extraordinary journey that shaped her into one of the country’s most respected business leaders and advocates. From overcoming tough odds—being a single mother of four with no post-secondary education—to earning her place in a male-dominated industry, Arlene’s honest reflections on imposter syndrome, self-reliance, and reinvention are both practical and moving. But this conversation isn’t just about business. We discuss life, media, and breaking stereotypes surrounding age, relationships, and relevance, reminding us all of the power of authenticity, generosity, and not being afraid to stand alone. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or just someone looking for support (not a handout), Arlene’s lessons on curiosity, empathy, and nation-building will stay with you long after the episode ends. A big thank you to RBC and RBC Wealth for supporting and sharing these stories of positivity and possibility.

I try not to play favourites, but this week’s guest may be the most extraordinary human I’ve ever interviewed. Diane Dupuy is the founder of Famous PEOPLE Players, a Black Light theatre company where the performers are individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. On stage, they become invisible, allowing life-sized puppets to dance, dazzle, and delight the audience. Offstage, they find purpose, dignity, and a chance to be part of something magical. In this profoundly moving episode, Diane shares how she turned her childhood trauma, learning challenges, and rejection by society into a purpose-driven life. Famous PEOPLE Players is her ever-burning flame of inclusion, artistry, and belief in human potential. From being discovered by Liberace—who invited the troupe to open for him in Las Vegas—to receiving support from Paul Newman, Senator Ted Kennedy, and even a standing ovation from Phil Collins, Diane’s journey is one of sheer will and unstoppable passion. No funding? She finds a way. Border blocks? She calls the White House. Criticism? She answers with applause. But today, this company which has changed so many lives is fighting to keep its lights on. With no government funding, they rely solely on ticket sales, donations, and sponsorships. If this episode moves you—and it will—share it. And if you can, support the show that refuses to stop, because for Diane Dupuy and her PLAYERS, the show must go on. And please stay to hear what Andrea Barrack, from RBC, has to say about the role that organizations can play in creating a better world. Visit famouspeopleplayers.com. Help keep the curtain up. RBC: Purpose Framework: https://www.rbc.com/our-impact/_assets-custom/pdf/esg-report-2023-en-placemat.pdf

What happens when a lifelong dream clashes with a tough new reality? This episode follows the compelling journey of Dapo Bankole, who left everything behind in Nigeria to create a brighter future for his family in Canada. But what awaited him wasn’t a red carpet—it was a steep climb of survival jobs, diminishing savings, and the gradual loss of self-worth. Through honest storytelling and deep reflection, Dapo shares how mentorship, microloans, and community support not only rebuilt his life but also inspired him to build bridges for others. His transformation from a struggling newcomer to founder of The Immigrant Life serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we stop wasting talent and start investing in human potential. Joining the conversation is Andrea Barrack, Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Impact at RBC, who explains why RBC is supporting Windmill Microlending—a groundbreaking organization helping thousands of skilled newcomers reclaim their careers, dignity, and dreams. A beautiful story of dreaming, doing and doing for others awaits.

From Hollywood Hits to Finding Happy: Peter Samuelson’s Mission to Lift Others Peter Samuelson could have stayed in Hollywood, producing box-office hits like Revenge of the Nerds and The Return of the Pink Panther. Instead, he utilized his storytelling and leadership skills to rewrite the script of his life, founding seven nonprofits that empower society’s most overlooked individuals, including those in foster care. In this inspiring episode, Peter reveals the decisive moments that shaped him, like a life-changing nudge from a 10th-grade teacher and his father’s unwavering belief in education. We explore his journey from film sets to social impact, from co-founding the Starlight Children’s Foundation with Emma Samms and STARBRIGHT World with Steven Spielberg, to building First Star, a program that sends 90% of foster teens to college. Peter also shares the wisdom behind his new book, Finding Happy, a field guide for Gen Z and Millennials navigating life’s complexities. Packed with insight, humour, and “madcap adventures,” it’s a reminder that long-term happiness isn’t about fame or fortune—it’s about helping others. If you’re looking for hope, purpose, and 'finding happy', don’t miss this conversation. Andrea Barrack returns to the show to talk about the role organizations can play to support individuals and communities.

In this deeply personal and moving episode, I sit down with Alok Ahuja, co-founder and CEO of Trexity, for a conversation that goes far beyond business. When Alok’s father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Alok left a high-flying role at Shopify to become his full-time caregiver. That decision, rooted in love, sparked a journey of clarity, purpose, and the founding of a company built to serve Main Street, not Bay Street. This is a story of legacy, resilience, and how one man chose presence over prestige to honor the father who shaped him. It’s also about the kind of father Alok hopes to be. This Father’s Day, we celebrate the mentors, protectors, and everyday heroes who show up to lift their future, and ours on their shoulders. To learn more about Trexity. https://trexity.com

In this episode of Chatter That Matters, as the RBC Canadian Open is minutes away from teeing off, I sit down with PGA Tour winner and Canadian golf icon Corey Conners. From his roots in Listowel, Ontario, to competing on the world stage, Corey’s journey is a testament to discipline, humility, and perseverance. Corey discusses his childhood passion for hockey and golf, the connection between math and mindset, and how fatherhood has altered his perspective on life and legacy. He also shares what it means to represent Canada in the Olympics and Presidents Cup, and the pride he feels wearing both the Maple Leaf and RBC shield. This episode isn’t just for golf fans—it’s about what it takes to chase your dreams and stay true to yourself along the way. I close with three takeaways from our conversation, and Mark Soder from RBC joins me to discuss why Golf matters to you, to me and to RBC.

What happens when a woman takes the fire ignited by her father’s entrepreneurial spirit and uses it to spark change across continents, industries, and identities? I sit down with an extraordinary entrepreneur who leads with heart, humanity, and hustle. Bashak Ilhan is a founder, five-time entrepreneur, digital strategist, and brand architect who has achieved two multi-million-dollar exits and boasts a global career that spans London, the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S. Bashak doesn’t follow the rules; she rewrites the playbook. Listeners will love this episode because it’s more than a resume—it’s a revelation. It tells the story of an individual who embraces her identity, relies on her resilience, and continually reinvents herself and her enterprises to seek and realize opportunities. A blueprint for building careers and enterprises in an increasingly complex world. To learn more about Bashak's offering, Road, and how they help companies expand internationally and manage their B2C and B2B operations, click here:

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Cheryl Hickey, the co-host of Entertainment Tonight Canada, takes us beyond red carpets and celebrity interviews to her journey from a small town to the national spotlight. Cheryl shares stories of rejection, health scares, grief, personal transformation, and her reflections on motherhood. We learn the price you pay to be in the public eye, what happens when a show that you have known for 18 years gets cancelled and what it takes to focus on entertaining what's next.

Bridge Over Troubled Waters: Taylor Cavanaugh’s Journey from Demons to Desire Some fall and stay broken. Others build a bridge and rise. Taylor Cavanaugh was a gifted student and elite athlete—but he was also a restless spirit chasing chaos. His journey spirals through addiction, jail, bar fights, and breakdowns. Then, somehow, a way through. He claws his way into the Navy SEALs. Falls again. Reinvents himself through one of the most brutal gauntlets on earth: the French Foreign Legion. In this powerful episode of Chatter That Matters, Taylor shares how he battled his demons, confronted his darkest truths, and rebuilt himself through pain, purpose, and discipline. He speaks candidly about finding meaning not in titles, but in habits. Not in pleasure, but in purpose. Taylor’s story is a reminder that no matter how deep the water, you can build a bridge—and cross it.

What if the moment that saves your life isn’t a miracle, or even counselling,—it’s a word, scribbled on a napkin? Steve Hershberger had lived a life built on expectations, chasing achievement like a moth to a flame. But after two decades of following someone else’s blueprint, the façade cracked. His physical and mental health collapsed. He stood at a breaking point—until a friend’s intervention, and a single word on a napkin, cracked open a new path forward. But life wasn’t done testing him. Just as Steve found his footing, life blindsided him again. A brutal cycling accident left him in the hands of a trauma team, hovering near death. In this episode of Chatter That Matters, we trace the route from accepting pain to chasing purpose, and how a man known for racing ahead finally learned to slow down and confront the truth. This is a story of grit, grace, and the quiet power of a single word. If you’ve ever questioned your path—or your worth—this one matters.