The Sound Lens Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Sound Lens Podcast
With laughter, warmth and honesty, The Sound Lens Podcast explores the authentic stories of its guests. Hosts Louise and Gillian, mother and daughter, bridge geography and generations to create a space that celebrates connection, compassion and transformation through a sound lens.
Gurdeep Pandher is a Yukon-based, Bhangra dance artist. He lives in a small off-grid cabin in the wilderness in the Yukon Territories, Canada and creates dance videos in the outdoors, and performances that bring people together. These clips of Gurdeep dancing in frigid cold temperatures on frozen lakes and rivers of Canada’s North, grew into his unique brand of spreading joy, hope and positivity. Today, millions of viewers throughout the world have watched his wilderness videos.
Gurdeep’s infectious laughter infuses our conversation as we hear how a burning curiosity in his childhood led him to journeys into the unknown. Whether biking from farm to village in rural India in his youth, or transcontinental travels to Canada as an adult, Gurdeep is motivated by his pursuit of joy.
References:
- BBC Interview: https://youtu.be/rnhSIcb60VM?si=kUT1ZcvppGe64Xhg
- What’s Up Yukon:: https://www.whatsupyukon.com/arts-entertainment/yukon-stage/from-the-punjab-to-the-yukon/
Guest website and social media links:
- Website: https://gurdeep.ca/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsxqJMylBN-0x6a-8RT8pAg
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gurdeeppandher/
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Catherine Dyer is an actor, director, producer, and instructor who also had a prolific career working for A&E Television's Biography, eventually becoming Manager of Documentary Programming and Supervising Producer. In this role she oversaw the production of more than 250 hours of television per year culminating in an Emmy nomination in 2003. Catherine's acting career began to heat up in 2008 with her portrayal of Lt. Col. Margaret Riley on 'Army Wives'. Since then her tv/film work has included hits such as Stranger Things, The Blind Side, The Morning Show and The Terminal List.
Our conversation with Catherine reveals how talent mixed with tenacity has led to an enviable acting career in a historically fickle industry. Catherine’s behind the scenes stories share sweet moments with fans while also reflecting on how following her heart ultimately led to her biggest breaks.
References:
- Guest Jason MacDonald’s Episode: https://www.soundlenspodcast.com/episodes/episode/bf31a280/6-jason-macdonald-lens-of-an-actors-heart
- Inside Amy Schumer -Last F**kable Day (ft. Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Patricia Arquette) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPpsI8mWKmg
Guest website and social media links:
- Website: www.dramainc.net
- IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0245696/
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Amika Cooper (a.k.a. BlackPowerBarbie) is an illustrator, animator and director from Toronto, currently based in New York City. From collaborations with brands like Apple, Nike and creating content for The Roots’ frontman Black Thought, to directing Hershey’s HerForShe campaign photoshoot, Amika’s distinct style of 2D animation centers black, femme and queer experiences.
Amika, known for her media and art under the moniker Black Power Barbie, is compelled by her own professional experiences to create supportive and warm spaces for her clients while keeping artistic integrity at its core. Our conversation includes a deep dive on identity, as Amika shares how her value driven work is finding an audience, both corporate and public.
References:
- Hershey’s Canada Instagram: @hersheyscanada
- Kélicia Massala Episode: https://www.soundlenspodcast.com/episodes/episode/293239cf/14-kelicia-massala-lens-of-a-new-generation-of-advocacy
Guest website and social media links:
- Instagram: @blackpowerbarbie
- Website: www.blackpowerbarbie.com
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Former editor of the iconic Canadian magazine, Chatelaine, Rona Maynard’s career with words and stories, include an early stint as a journalist at MacLean’s Magazine, a freelance writer, guest speaker and author. Her most recent memoir, Starter Dog: My Path to Joy, Belonging and Loving This World, which she describes as a surprising personal rebirth, demonstrates the power animals have to connect us with our hidden selves.
Rona has had a career many would envy. Yet privately her mental health struggles stood in the way of deeper connections with herself and the world - until Casey, her rescue dog, arrived. Rona’s and Casey’s humorous adventures provide life affirming lessons for all of us.
References:
- Chatelaine Magazine: https://chatelaine.com/
Guest website and social media links:
- Instagram: @ronamaynard_author
- Website: https://www.ronamaynard.com
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Rachael Segal holds a masters in law from Osgoode Hall, York University. She has legal experience in Criminal Law and Civil Litigations, and has been an issues and policy advisor to senior members of the Canadian Federal Cabinet and the Canadian Senate. With her extensive experience on political campaigns in Ontario and British Columbia, Rachael is on a mission to get more women interested in politics.
Rachael's vision of more women becoming involved in the political conversation is motivated by a belief that even the smallest engagement will affect change. It doesn’t matter what your position is, just as long as you have one.
Guest website and social media links:
- Instagram: @rachaelsegal
- Website: https://www.beyondaballot.com
- Instagram: @beyondaballot
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Val and Breezy Griffith are the mother-daughter duo behind the US-based snack phenomena SkinnyDipped. What started as a quest for a healthier chocolate covered almond snack, has evolved today into one of the fastest growing and most innovative snack companies on the market. They are obsessed with crafting snacks that nourish our bodies and spirits, while building a company that values people and the planet!
SkinnyDipped founders, Breezy and Val, demonstrate how innovation and intuition are just two of their superpowers used to disrupt the snack industry. This mother-daughter duo reflect on the power of partnerships, why relationship dynamics shift, and how they have made communication a key factor of their business model. From their early experiments around the kitchen table to Val recently being named to Forbes’ 50 Over 50 list, they share how the challenges of being female entrepreneurs make success that much sweeter.
References:
- Forbes’ 50 Over 50: https://www.forbes.com/50over50/lifestyle?profile=valerie-griffith
- I Love Lucy - Chocolate Factory episode: https://youtu.be/K3axU2b0dDk?si=T1WSPn3bs-9nWe3K
Guest website and social media links:
- Instagram: @skinnydipped
- Website: www.skinnydipped.com
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Armed with their favorite snacks, Gillian and Louise settled in to be entertained by the blockbuster summer hit movie ‘Barbie’. It was not what they expected…
References:
- Kitty Perkins - creator of first Black Barbie: https://www.insider.com/barbie-kitty-black-perkins-designer-diversity-mattel-dolls-2023-4
- Colleen Bordeaux’s Episode: https://www.soundlenspodcast.com/episodes/episode/59c97a16/26-colleen-bordeaux-lens-of-a-business-behavior-expert
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Known as MochGirlPlace on Instagram, Tracey Hairston is an interior and fashion stylist whose love and knowledge of plants has garnered a huge following of plant enthusiasts including some of the industry’s leading names. Tracey’s blog is a gorgeous collection of stories and photos, with DIY ideas for every lifestyle.
Tracey has captivated thousands of online followers with her inspiring and relatable interior design, fashion, and plant content, by showing up as her authentic self.
Guest website and social media links:
- Instagram: @mochalgirlplace
- Website:www.mochagirlplace.com
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Molly Peacock is a poet, biographer, essayist, and writer whose multi-genre literary life has taken her from New York City to Toronto, from poetry to prose, and from words to words-and-pictures. In addition to the biographical Life Stories she’s written, Molly’s deeply personal work shares some of the more intimate moments of her life - including love, loss, family and relationships.
Molly pulls back the curtain on creativity, unlocking some of the key mysteries around writing a poem. We also learn how a personal choice recounted in her 1998 memoir Paradise, Piece by Piece, remains as relevant today, inspiring the title of the Trixie Films documentary My So-Called Selfish Life.
References:
- My So-Called Selfish Life Documentary: https://myselfishlife.com/
Guest website and social media links:
- Molly Peacock: https://www.mollypeacock.org/
- Instagram: @mollypeacockpoet
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Colleen Bordeaux is a best-selling author, speaker and entrepreneur. Her book, Am I Doing This Right? referred to as ‘brilliantly insightful’ and 'a modern guide to life,' became an immediate #1 Amazon Best Seller. She founded Growth, Inc. to close the confidence gap in women, balance the C-suite and change the narrative of women at work.
With humor and sincerity, Colleen shares her firsthand experiences founding a start-up and creating an entrepreneurial space that meets her where she is. She gives us actionable strategies on how we can change our behaviors to show up authentically, regardless of traditional models of working. Colleen demonstrates, through empathy and creativity, how men and women typically behave differently, and how we can all harness our power in the workplace.
References:
- Flaxseed: https://www.eatingwell.com/article/2058788/health-benefits-of-flaxseeds/
- Au Four et Au Moulin Bakery: https://aufouretaumoulin.ca/
Guest website and social media links:
- Growth Inc.: https://www.growth-inc.org/
- Growth Inc. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growthincubator/?hl=en
- Colleen Bordeaux Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colleenbordeaux/?hl=en
- Colleen Bordeaux LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-bordeaux/
- Am I Doing This Right?: https://a.co/d/gBTyXDw
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Since graduating from art college in Ireland, Rosemary Kavanaugh has been a graphic designer, art instructor, floral designer, event designer, writer and performer - in Dublin, NYC, Tokyo, Brussels, Geneva, the international city list goes on. All while balancing her family’s role in Ireland’s international diplomatic efforts, as the spouse of an Irish Ambassador.
With each international diplomatic posting, Rosemary remains connected to creativity, while supporting her family’s Ambassador roles for Ireland.
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Meghan Shimek is a fiber artist based in Oakland, California. She creates large scale woven wall hangings and sculptures having developed her own signature weaving style as she explored how art can be used to express grief and also heal. We discovered Meghan and her work during our trip to New York City in April, walking down Madison Avenue and seeing her wall hangings displayed in the Garin storefront. Meghan’s website states “Exploring organic movement, Shimek's weaving style allows the fibers to fall into an indeterminate pattern that reveals the beauty and vulnerability of her materials.”
By channeling her emotions into the warm earthy materials she uses, Meghan’’s fiber art is resonating with the public in very personal ways.
References:
- Love Fest Fibers: @lovefestfibers
- Garin Shop: https://www.garinshop.com/
- Stained Glass Artist, Sara Strickler: @_sarastrickler_
Guest website and social media links:
- Instagram: @MeghanShimek
- Meghan Shimek’s website: www.meghanshimek.com
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Nate Wise is Louise’s son and Gillian’s brother, and he is also a father to a 15-month old. It seemed fitting this father’s day episode, to get his perspective on being a new dad.
In this special Father’s Day episode, Nate’s story of becoming a father mixes practical realities with a sense of wonder.
References:
- How to Swaddle a Newborn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJCQf2Xxlrk
- Flaxseed: https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet/flaxseed-what-superfood-offers-how-add-it-your-diet/
- Chia Seeds: https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/chia-seeds-nutrition-health-benefits-how-cook-more/
- Weight Training: https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/free-weight-exercises
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Dr. Shazma Mithani is an ER doctor and social justice advocate, with a strong presence on social media. Through her platforms, Shazma uses her expertise to share helpful and accurate healthcare information to make sure we’re all informed and empowered.
Dr. Mithani has gained influencer status with her frank yet comforting voice sharing medical information - and the occasional fashion tip!
References:
- Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9185206/
- Transplant drama series: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10936342/
Guest website and social media links:
- Instagram: @drshazmamithani
- Twitter: @DrShazmaMithani
- TikTok: @drshazmamithani
- Youtube: @drshazmamithani
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shazma-mithani-bb11a4257/
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Gillian and Louise share their extraordinary experiences of New York City, which inspired the next phase of their podcast journey.
References:
- Central Park, NYC: https://www.centralpark.com/
- The 52nd St Project: https://www.52project.org/
- Martha Graham Dance Company: https://marthagraham.org/
- The Joyce Theatre: www.joyce.org
- Institute of Italian Culture: https://iicnewyork.esteri.it/iic_newyork/en/
- Marie’s Crisis Cafe: https://www.mariescrisiscafe.com/
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
In honor of Mother’s Day, Louise and Gillian set out to discover mother-daughter business partnerships. It turns out, there are some fabulous duos making headlines with their ingenuity and business savvy.
References:
- Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka (House of Aama):
- https://houseofaama.com/pages/featured-product
- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/designers/a36289878/mom-daughter-designer-duos/
-
Instagram: @houseofaama
-
Natalie and Natasha Batalha: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-00580-6
- Val and Breezy Griffith (Skinny Dipped):
- https://skinnydipped.com/pages/our-story
-
https://www.forbes.com/sites/gabbyshacknai/2022/05/08/the-mother-daughter-founders-behind-1-brands-on-balancing-family-and-function/?sh=345a94a6720e
-
Melinda Kearney and Michèle Ouellet (Lorenza WIne): https://lorenzawine.com/pages/our-story
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Janine Rogan is the Founder and CEO of The Wealth Building Academy Inc., and is an award winning CPA. Janine currently sits on the CPA Alberta Education Foundation board, the board of FESA, and the planning committee of the AICPA Global Women’s Leadership Summit. Janine has been featured in a number of international publications and has delivered keynotes to thousands of individuals and companies around the world. Her book “The Pink Tax” debuts this week, when this episode is published.
Janine is on a personal mission to dispel the taboos around talking about money, while making the case for how an equitable financial playing field benefits all of us.
References:
- Automatic Millionaire by David Bach: https://www.amazon.com/Automatic-Millionaire-Expanded-Updated-Powerful/dp/0451499085
- Say Less, Get More: Unconventional Negotiation Techniques to Get What You Want: https://www.amazon.com/Say-Less-Get-More-Unconventional/dp/1443459526
Guest website and social media links:
- Janine Rogan’s website: www.janinerogan.com
- Instagram: @janinerogan
- The Pink Tax: www.pinktaxbook.com
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Patricia Taylor Kennedy is an author, coach and CEO at The Kennedy Effect - A personal and business consulting firm. Her book ‘The Game of Life!: A Woman’s Game Plan for Success’ was released this past fall. It’s part guidebook to navigating workplace systems while also being very motivational. With practical, actionable ideas, Patricia draws on her own experiences to help us create the life of our dreams!
Patricia’s transparency about the barriers she faced in her own professional and personal journey underscores why she is compelled to help people transform their lives.
References:
- Atlas of Emotions: www.atlasofemotions.org
Guest website and social media links:
- Website: www.kennedyeffect.com
- Facebook: She Shines Career Catalyst
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Journalist, feminist, novelist, activist, teacher, Susan Swan’s impact on the Canadian literary and political scene has been far-reaching. Susan’s critically acclaimed fiction has been published in twenty countries. Her book The Wives of Bath, was adapted into the film Lost and Delirious, which has become a cult classic, was released in thirty-two countries and featured as a Premiere Selection at the Sundance Film Festival. Susan’s latest initiative, The Carol Shields Prize for Fiction, is a major new English-language literary award to celebrate creativity and excellence in fiction by women and non-binary writers in the United States and Canada.
We couldn’t help but get deeply personal with Susan, as our conversation ranged from topics of height, writing, gender, and one of her latest ventures that highlights women authors from the United States and Canada.
References:
- Nobel Prize for Literature: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/
Guest website and social media links:
- Instagram: @biggestmodernwriter
- Carol Shield’s Prize for Fiction: https://carolshieldsprizeforfiction.com/
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
John Sheehy has been the Director of Institutional Advancement at The 52nd Street Project for over 25 years. The 52nd Street Project is dedicated to the creation and production of new plays often for and by kids between the ages of nine and 18 that reside in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood in New York City. Prior to this, John worked at Lincoln Center Theater where he was Development and Research Associate and research, and at the Long Wharf Theater in New Haven, Connecticut. John is also a lyricist and published playwright with a Master’s of Fine Arts in dramatic writing from Brandeis University. His plays have been seen in Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and Louisville, Kentucky.
Have you ever met someone who you just know is doing exactly what they were meant to do? John Sheehy swept us away with his love and respect for The 52nd Street Project, the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood and Central Park, New York.
Guest website and social media links:
- Instagram: @52ndstproject
- Website: www.52project.org
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Rebecca Liddiard is a Canadian actor whose work in television, film, and theatre has earned her critical acclaim with multiple awards and nominations in Canada and internationally. She's most widely known for her roles as Mary Shaw in four seasons of the hit CBC series, Frankie Drake Mysteries, or the beloved Mary Whitney in the Netflix series, Alias Grace based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name. Other credits include starring roles in Departure, Slasher, and the FOX/ITV series, Houdini & Doyle. As a writer and producer, Rebecca has written for Frankie Drake Mysteries, Ruby and The Well, and is the co-creator and executive producer of the award-winning digital animated series Mary and Flo: On the Go! (now streaming on YouTube). These days, Rebecca's also a proud and enthusiastic pilates instructor.
When Rebecca graduated from theatre school, she already had her first professional television gig! Yet as she reveals in our conversation, that auspicious beginning was anything but a shot to stardom. Instead, Rebecca shares how the uncertainty of a performance career led her to find resilience and joy in her creative work, bringing her to her newest roles in Seven Veils with Amanda Seigfried, and Fargo.
References:
- Margaret Atwood on Instagram: @therealmargaretatwood
- The Handmaid’s Tale: https://www.hulu.com/series/the-handmaids-tale-565d8976-9d26-4e63-866c-40f8a137ce5f
- Mary and Flo: On the Go!: All Aboard - Mary and Flo On the Go - Kids Cartoons
- Seven Veils: https://deadline.com/2023/03/douglas-smith-mark-obrien-rebecca-liddiard-vinessa-antoine-amanda-seyfried-seven-veils-1235298751/
Guest website and social media links:
- Instagram: @rebeccaliddiard
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4428734/
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Kélicia Massala is the coalition Leader and Founder of Girl Up Quebec, where her advocacy work focuses on two main issues: international gender equality and the importance of representation. Through her work and involvement, she has been featured in the Global Affairs Canada Women’s Day conference in 2019 and was awarded the Girl Up Project Award by the UN Foundation in 2022. Since then, she has created the annual Girl Up Quebec Festival which inspires women who are making a change in their community. Kélicia is currently a master’s student in Information Technology Law at the University of Montreal where she is the president of UN Women.
This International Women’s Day, in partnership with Girl Up, Hershey Canada has highlighted Kélicia by celebrating her, and four other young women working to build a better future, with five limited-edition #HERforSHE chocolate bars.
Kélicia traces her early advocacy work as a teen living in France supporting young women in the Congo. But as she shares with us in this episode, her advocacy crossed continents as she followed her own sense of purpose, resulting in a transformational partnership with Hershey’s in their national #HERforSHE campaign.
References:
- Hershey Canada’s Her for She Campaign: https://www.hersheyland.ca/en_ca/home/themes/her-for-she.html
- Girl Up United Nations: https://girlup.org/
Guest website and social media links:
- Instagram: @keliciia
- Instagram: @girlupquebec
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
Gary Weeks is currently best known for his role as JJ's trouble-making father "Luke Maybank" on the hit Netflix series "Outer Banks”, as well as the role of Joe Allan in his latest film “Southern Gospel”.
Gary's career spans over 20 years, with more than 150 film, TV and commercial roles, including Die Hart (with Kevin Hart); Spider-Man - Homecoming; Burn Notice; Sweet Magnolias - the list goes on! He is also an award-winning writer, producer and director.
Gary’s characters, whether in comedy or drama, resonate deeply with audiences. He shares how drawing on his family’s legacy gives him the strength to push his creative limits.
References:
- Outer Banks Tour: https://www.viator.com/tours/Charleston/Outer-Banks-Film-Locations-Tour/d4384-147521P7
- Southern Gospel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uue7nKunS04
- Splitwise App: https://www.splitwise.com/
English-born and Irish-educated, Susan Keogh was a U.S. diplomat for 32 years. Her assignments at the State Department included: Deputy Chief of Mission in Eritrea; Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Rights, Democracy and Labor; and Officer-in-Charge of South Africa over the period of the democratic transition. Her other assignments were as Deputy Spokesperson for the Middle East over the Gulf War, and Director of Law Enforcement and Anti-Narcotics programs in Peru and Bolivia. Before becoming a Foreign Service officer, Susan taught at the universities of Cape Town, South Africa and Niamey, Niger and at secondary schools in Swaziland and the Central African Republic. Susan also spent 2 years teaching in a school for the Blind in Colombia.
In Part 2 of our conversation with Susan, she shares incredible stories of her time as a diplomat, and how she fills her adventurous days now with love, family and gratitude.
References:
- Dennis Keogh, American Diplomat: https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/04/17/life-dedicated-to-diplomacy-ends-in-african-bomb-blast/f1510069-6954-44ed-910e-e30be95242ac/
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @soundlenspodcast
English-born and Irish-educated, Susan Keogh was a U.S. diplomat for 32 years. Her assignments at the State Department included: Deputy Chief of Mission in Eritrea; Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Rights, Democracy and Labor; and Officer-in-Charge of South Africa over the period of the democratic transition. Her other assignments were as Deputy Spokesperson for the Middle East over the Gulf War, and Director of Law Enforcement and Anti-Narcotics programs in Peru and Bolivia. Before becoming a Foreign Service officer, Susan taught at the universities of Cape Town, South Africa and Niamey, Niger and at secondary schools in Swaziland and the Central African Republic. Susan also spent 2 years teaching in a school for the Blind in Colombia.
In Part 1 of our conversation with Susan, we hear of her early years in America and Africa, and her heartbreaking journey to becoming a diplomat.
References:
- Dennis Keogh, American Diplomat: https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1984/04/17/life-dedicated-to-diplomacy-ends-in-african-bomb-blast/f1510069-6954-44ed-910e-e30be95242ac/
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @soundlenspodcast
Amber Pendergraph-Leak is the Executive Director of BirthMatters, which is in Amber’s words, “A small non profit making a big impact, in the Upstate of South Carolina”. BirthMatters reduces teen pregnancy through reproductive health education and empowers expectant young adults to raise healthy families through doulas utilizing the community health worker model.
Amber’s work educating and celebrating new moms is driven by her personal mission to empower young mothers.
References:
- Amazon: www.amazon.com
- Lulus: www.lulus.com
Guest website and social media links: (as shared during the outro of the episode)
- BirthMatters website: www.birthmatters.org
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @soundlenspodcast
Araceli Hernandez-Laroche is the Founding Director of South Carolina Centro Latino (El Centro) at the University of SC Upstate, where she is also a professor of Modern Languages, and past Assistant Chair of the Department of Language, Literature and Composition. In addition to her roles on campus, she serves on the Chamber of Commerce, the LGBT Fund Committee, the Board of the Chapman Cultural Center and is now a member of the ACLU South Carolina Chapter.
Araceli’s childhood experiences and observations of language led to a lifepath steeped in travel, study, discourse, and community building.
Guest website and social media links:
- Instagram: @aracelihernandezlaroche
- Twitter: twitter.com/AraceliHLaroche
- El Centro Website: https://www.uscupstate.edu/academics/el-centro/
- El Centro Instagram: @southcarolinacentrolatino
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @soundlenspodcast
Hannah Materne is an artist, designer, poet and tattoo artist. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design from Concordia University in Montreal Canada, and runs the Point Artist Residency as founder, facilitator and on-site guide. Her first book of poetry, little cures volume 1 : change, was published in December 2019, and volume 2 : solace followed in 2020.
Hannah’s creativity blurs the conventional lines of artist, writer, designer and tattoo artist, as she encourages us to discover the art in the small and intimate.
References:
- Roots Canada
- Sound Lens Podcast, Episode 3 with Meghan Kirwin
Guest website and social media links: (as shared during the outro of the episode)
- Tattoo: @truesap
- Instagram: @kidincolour
- Website: www.hannahmaterne.com
- Email: hannah.materne@gmail.com
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @soundlenspodcast
Jacquie Gauthier has been a popular radio host and television personality in Canada, a playwright and producer in New York, and now an author, yoga teacher and certified nature guide in South Africa. Our conversation spans three countries and two continents!
Jacquie’s adventures reveal her grit and determination to lead a life filled with love and possibility.
References:
- Canadian Aid to Southern Sudan, CASS Canada: http://www.casscanada.ca/
- Louise Penny, Three Pines Books: https://www.louisepenny.com/
Guest website and social media links:
- Jacquie Gauthier: https://www.soul-safaris.co.za/
- Instagram: @soul_safari_
- Nourish South Africa: https://www.nourishecovillage.com/
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @soundlenspodcast
Jason MacDonald was born and raised in Canada and moved to New York City to attend Circle in the Square Theatre School. He is an actor, director, producer and instructor, and you may recognize him from his roles in The Vampire Diaries, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, The Man from Toronto, Welcome to Flatch, to name just a few! He is also the co-founder of the acting school Drama Inc, in Atlanta.
Jason shares stories of his personal creative journey, with a revealing behind the scenes perspective on what it means to let love lead your way.
References:
- Welcome to Flatch: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11447470/
- Man From Toronto: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11671006/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
- Vitamins: https://www.jamiesonvitamins.com/
Guest website and social media links:
- Jason MacDonald Instagram: @jasonmacdonaldofficial
- Drama Inc., Atlanta: https://dramainc.net/
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @soundlenspodcast
Jennifer Slay is a multi-award-winning speaker, coach, therapist, registered social worker and a certified trainer, having served on numerous boards and advisory committees all while running her successful business, Jennifer Slay Counseling and Coaching. With over 20 years experience in community leadership, she has just stepped into the role of Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization at King’s University, London Ontario.
Jen’s professional journey through racial and gender equity is motivated by her personal stories - and we are inspired!
References:
- All Women Lead: https://allwomenlead.ca/
- Roots Canada: https://www.roots.com
Guest website and social media links:
- Jen Slay Instagram: @jenslayspeaks
- Jen Slay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenslay/
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @soundlenspodcast
Donna Creighton is a storyteller and musician, whose lifelong career in music has included record deals, music awards, cross-country tours, and New York off Broadway shows. Her most recent audiences, though, have been in the classroom, and this is where we begin our conversation.
We discuss with Donna the transition from her career as a touring musician to full-time teacher. In the recap, Gillian and Louise share their latest reads.
References:
- Jenn Sincero, You Are a Badass: https://jensincero.com/
- Claire Vaye Watkins, I Love You, But I’ve Chosen Darkness: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/668168/i-love-you-but-ive-chosen-darkness-by-claire-vaye-watkins/
Guest website and relevant links:
- Website: www.donnacreighton.com
- Music: https://www.youtube.com/@DonnaCreightonMusic
You can find more about the Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @soundlenspodcast
Meghan Kirwin is the co-founder of Vitality At Work and The Kirwin Group, which are an extension of her mission to empower individuals, teams and organizations to thrive. She has a Masters of Science in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of East London, which she utilizes as an instructor at the Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Meghan details society’s extraordinary shift towards Positive Psychology, with personal anecdotes and actionable tips. Gratitude and mindfulness are just two of the practices we explore.
References:
- Mount Batur, Bali Indonesia: https://www.mountbatursunrisetrekking.info/
- Brené Brown: www.brenebrown.com
Guest website and social media links:
- Certificate of Positive Psychology: https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/faculty-of-human-and-social-sciences/centre-for-public-safety-and-well-being/index.html
- The Kirwin Group: http://kirwingroup.ca/
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @soundlenspodcast
Donald D’Haene is an award winning author, performer, blogger, reporter, stand-up comedian and tv host. He was on Oprah Winfrey’s 200 Survivors Episode after the launch of his first book, Father’s Touch. Donald is currently writing his second book, a sequel to Father’s Touch.
Donald shares his heart wrenching and inspirational story in writing his family memoirs. It’s a revealing conversation that Gillian and Louise can’t help but revisit in the recap.
References:
- Oprah Winfrey: https://www.oprah.com/own-oprahshow/full-episode-200-adult-men-who-were-molested-come-forward-video
- Eric Stoltz: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000655/
Guest website and social media links:
- Twitter: @TheDonaldNorth
- Instagram: @donalddhaene1961
- Facebook: @DonaldD’Haene
You can find more about The Sound Lens Podcast on our website www.soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok:
- Instagram: @soundlenspodcast
- Facebook: @soundlenspodcast
- TikTok: @soundlenspodcast
Carlee Dowsett is the creator and owner of the handmade jewelry company Sunday Brunch, as well as the event planning company Everlee, a self-described dreamer and weirdo, which we can relate to. And she's also obsessed with her rescue pups, Molly and Loony.
With humour and candid insight, Carlee shares her journey of resilience through marketing, event planning, and an unexpected leap into jewelry making.
References:
- Tazo Chai Tea Latte: https://www.tazo.com/us/en/products/lattes-iced/classic-chai-latte.html
- Starbucks Americano: https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/406/hot
Guest website and social media links:
- Sunday Brunch Instagram: @sundaybrunchca
- Sunday Brunch Website: www.sundaybrunch.ca
You can find more about the Sound Lens Podcast on our website soundlenspodcast.com, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
- Instagram: @soundlenspodcast
- Tik Tok: @soundlenspodcast
- Facebook: @soundlenspodcast