The Honest Talk

There’s a lot more to talk about when it comes to perimenopause and menopause. In part two of our conversation with Dr. Sarah Shaw, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer with Lume Women + Health, we get into weight gain, sex, contraception and the longer-term health changes women need to know about – plus why advocating for yourself can make such a difference.

Today we’re getting into a topic that affects every woman, but somehow, there’s still so much we don’t know about it: perimenopause and menopause.

What’s actually happening to our bodies? Which symptoms are part of the transition – and which ones shouldn’t be ignored? And why does it still feel so hard to get clear answers?

We’re joined by Dr. Sarah Shaw, co-founder and chief medical officer of Lume Women + Health, to get into all of it – from the myths and misconceptions to what women should know, expect and ask about as they na...

Women are often told to work harder, do more and never let an opportunity pass them by. But what if some of the most important career lessons come from learning your limits?

In this episode of The Honest Talk Podcast, Michelle Waite reflects on a 25-year career at RBC and the lessons that shaped her along the way – from finding her voice in leadership to letting go of perfectionism, building confidence and making sure your money is working as hard as you are.

GLP-1 medications have become one of the biggest conversations in women’s health – but with all the headlines, social media debates and opinions, it can be hard to know what’s actually true.

In this episode of The Honest Talk, we’re joined by Dr. Sasha High, a physician specializing in weight loss and metabolic health, for a deeper look at what’s behind the GLP-1 conversation.

We talk about why weight loss is about more than willpower, how these medications work, who they may help, the potential risks and side effects, and why strength, nutrition...

Miscarriage is something so many women experience, yet it's still one of the conversations we struggle to have out loud.

In this episode of The Honest Talk podcast, we sit down with Dr. Sunita Lal to answer the questions so many women have but don't always know who to ask.

We talk about what actually causes a miscarriage, the signs that shouldn't be ignored, what recovery can look like, and why the emotional impact is often so much greater than people realize.

We also explore the myths that continue to surround pregnancy loss...

We’re heading courtside with Reetu Gupta for this episode! She is an entrepreneur, hospitality leader, and part owner of the brand new Toronto Tempo, one of the newest teams in the WNBA, the world’s premier professional women’s basketball league.

In this conversation, we get into her career journey, what it’s really been like building across hospitality and community, and why she decided to step into women’s sports at such a pivotal moment. We also talk about what this moment says about the future of women’s leadership, visibility, and opportunity – on and off the court.

Fitness advice is everywhere, but for women juggling careers, families, caregiving responsibilities, and everything else life throws their way, knowing where to start – or how to keep going – can feel overwhelming.

That's why we're excited to have Kim Lavender, Vice President of Group Experiences at GoodLife Fitness, joining us on the podcast. With more than two decades at GoodLife, Kim has spent her career helping Canadians build healthier, more active lives. She's passionate about helping women feel confident and supported in their health and fitness journeys, without the pressure of perfection.

In this conversation, Kim shares...

In this episode, we’re sitting down with Amanda Lindhout – a Canadian journalist whose life story is as gripping as it is inspiring.

Amanda has always been driven by a deep curiosity about the world, and that curiosity took her to some of the most volatile places on earth. But in 2008, while working in Somalia, her life changed completely when she was kidnapped and held captive for 460 days.

What’s remarkable about Amanda isn’t only what she survived, but how she’s chosen to move forward since then. Instead of letting that experience define her, she’s...

Ahead of Mother’s Day, Jen and Catherine sit down with two of the most important women in their lives for a very special conversation – their moms!

Both trailblazing lawyers, Maureen McTeer and Jane Wilson make their podcast debut to share candid reflections on motherhood, career ambition, and what it was really like raising kids while building groundbreaking careers – including a few stories about what Jen and Catherine were really like as kids. You won’t want to miss this!

From the very beginning of The Honest Talk, Air Canada has been more than a partner; they’ve helped us reach new heights. In this episode, Jen and Catherine sit down with a woman who is helping shape the future of that company from the inside.

Christianna Scott, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, joins us to talk about leading with empathy, driving meaningful change at scale, and why redefining success isn’t just personal – it’s necessary in the world we’re now working in.

Today on the podcast, we’re chatting with Tania Yan, the founder of Olive & Piper! You may know the jewellery brand, but what you might not know is the story behind it – the risks, the long nights, the creative decisions… and yes, the boiled cabbage (we’ll explain!).

Tania built Olive & Piper with an eye for design, but also with patience, discipline, and a deep understanding of her customers. She’s grounded, refreshingly honest, and generous with what growth really looks like. 

Tune in to the episode to hear how a passion project turned into a successfu...

This week on The Honest Talk podcast: Jessica Holmes! Comedian, entertainer, and powerhouse of honesty, resilience, and self-acceptance. She’s opened for legends like Ellen DeGeneres, Jerry Seinfeld, Oprah, and Russell Peters – and brought down the house at our 2025 Women’s Summit with her wit, warmth, and yes…her singing chops (and cheerleading pom-poms).

Jessica blends laughter with real life, sharing her journey through mental health, motherhood, and personal growth. She also proves that vulnerability isn’t weakness, and that humour can be a lifeline. 

Today on The Honest Talk, we’re joined by a woman whose leadership carries real weight, not just in title, but in responsibility. General Jennie Carignan is Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff, the first woman to ever hold the role. She now leads the Canadian Armed Forces at a moment of global instability, shifting alliances, and growing expectations about Canada’s role in the world – both at home and abroad.

But this conversation isn’t just about defence strategy or military command. It’s about leadership under pressure. It’s about making decisions when the stakes are inc...

On this episode, we sit down with Mandy Gull-Masty, Canada’s Federal Minister of Indigenous Services – and a leader whose approach to politics is deeply rooted in community, tradition, and opening doors for the next generation.

We get into the realities of being a woman in politics, and how those challenges can be even more intense for Indigenous and diverse women. It’s an honest conversation about scrutiny, resilience, and what it really takes to lead when you’re not just representing a riding, but entire communities who see themselves in you.

But we also go beyon...

From championing women’s voices to shaping strategic growth at one of Canada’s largest financial institutions, RBC senior executive Sue Noble joins The Honest Talk for a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, and purpose.

Sue shares how she built her career in finance by trusting her voice, advocating for women in business, and staying grounded in vision – offering real insight for anyone navigating their own path to leadership.

Feeling intimidated by money? You’re not alone. Today, we’re talking with Melissa Leong, a financial expert, author, and media personality who’s on a mission to help people talk about money without fear, judgment, or shame. Melissa breaks down complex financial conversations, challenges outdated ideas, and shows us that financial confidence isn’t about perfection – it’s about understanding your choices and owning them.

It’s a new year check-in with Jen and Catherine! They look back on a big year for The Honest Talk, talk honestly about what’s ahead, and share what they’re choosing to bring – and leave behind – in 2026.

Today we’re joined by Emma May, a founder who didn’t set out to build a company – but ended up creating one out of necessity. As CEO of SophieGrace, she’s grown a brand born from a deeply personal experience into a trusted name for women who want workwear that’s both stylish and incredibly comfortable.

Her journey shows what entrepreneurship really looks like: uncertainty, conviction, and the courage to build something before you feel fully ready. But the story goes far beyond products and profits. Emma shares the realities of scaling a business, raising capital, and steppi...

We’re thrilled to welcome a true powerhouse in leadership and community impact to the podcast – Devinder Gill. As RBC’s Regional President for Ontario North and East, Devinder brings both heart and strategy to everything she does. She’s a passionate advocate for diversity, empowerment, and breaking down the barriers that keep voices out of the room.

We’ve had the chance to experience her leadership firsthand here in Ottawa, and today we’re diving into her story – exploring the professional and personal insights that have shaped how she leads and how she makes space at the table for

In this episode, we sit down with someone who redefines what it means to be bold, brilliant, and unapologetically driven. You may know Manjit Minhas as the powerhouse investor on Dragons’ Den, but long before the cameras, she was disrupting an entire industry at just 19 years old – co-founding Minhas Breweries, Distilleries and Wineries and growing it into one of North America’s largest independent producers.

But Manjit isn’t just a business titan. She’s a champion for women in leadership, a devoted mom, and a fierce advocate for building a life on your own terms. She’s navigated...

Today we’re talking to Jill Heinerth – a world-renowned underwater explorer, filmmaker, author, and an accomplished cave diver. As an Explorer-in-Residence with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Jill has ventured into places no human has ever seen: iceberg caves in Antarctica, volcanic lava tubes beneath the ocean, and some of the planet’s deepest, most dangerous underwater caverns.

She’s not only an explorer, but also a storyteller, a scientist, and a passionate environmental advocate. She’s a trailblazer for women in extreme, traditionally male-dominated fields.

In this episode, we dive into Jill’s courage, what it takes to...

What does survival really mean – in the wilderness, in motherhood, and in life? In this episode, Claire Cameron, author of books like How to Survive a Bear Attack and The Last Neanderthal, shares the experiences that shaped her: from a bear attack in Algonquin Park to a cancer diagnosis and the life-changing intensity of childbirth. She talks about facing fear, finding strength in unexpected places, and learning the power of resilience, letting go, and community.

We’re thrilled to welcome Sinead King, president of Vancouver Rise FC, to the show! From leading one of the first clubs in the Northern Super League to advocating for inclusive spaces in sports, Sinead is driving real change in women’s soccer. Tune in as she shares her journey, what excites her about the future of the game, and how she’s helping shape a lasting legacy for women in sports.

Today on The Honest Talk, we’re joined by a woman who’s shaping the future of business in Canada: Candace Laing, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

From her roots on the Prairies to the boardrooms of some of Canada’s most influential organizations, Candace has built her career on a thoughtful, people-first approach to leadership. She’s a big-picture thinker with a deep understanding of what businesses need to not just survive – but thrive – in a rapidly changing world.

We talk with Candace about leading through turbulent times, bringing more women into decisio...

Today, we’re joined by Erin Elofson, President of Mastercard in Canada, and a powerhouse leader whose career spans major global companies like Pinterest, Meta, and Microsoft. She has built a remarkable path in industries where women are still underrepresented and has become a fierce advocate for women leading on their own terms.

We’ll dive into her passion for purpose-driven work, the mindsets that have helped her succeed, and her candid reflections on resilience, failure, and self-compassion. She also shares how embracing imperfection and making intentional trade-offs has shaped her career – and why those lessons can empower anyone...

Today’s guest is no stranger to making waves – both inside and outside the House of Commons. Melissa Lantsman, Member of Parliament for Thornhill and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, is known for her straight talk, quick wit, and unflagging energy.

Before stepping into the political spotlight, Melissa was a powerhouse behind the scenes, shaping national conversations as a top political strategist and noted communications expert.

In this episode, we dive into her journey in politics and leadership – but also explore the Melissa beyond the politics.

Today's guest is the kind of woman who doesn’t just break glass ceilings – she crushes them under her combat boots. Lieutenant-General Lise Bourgon is a trailblazer in uniform, and was one of the highest-ranking women in the Canadian Armed Forces.

She is a true pioneer, and her career is a testament to discipline, resilience, and the power of purposeful leadership. She has spent her life breaking barriers and opening doors for the next generation of women in service – and beyond, and we are so excited she was able to join us on this episode of The Honest Talk p...

In this episode of The Honest Talk, we’re switching things up – no personality profile, no spotlight interview. Instead, we’re having a conversation about conversations.

It’s a delicate time in history. Tension, volatility, and change seem to surround us – at home, at work, and in our social circles. How do we stay connected when we disagree? And how do we bridge divides in ways that are respectful, thoughtful, and real? How can we have productive conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion?

To help us explore these questions, we’re joined by Mante Molepo – a leader, writer...

Today on the show, we’re joined by a trailblazer in Canadian politics – Christy Clark. Christy made history as the 35th premier of British Columbia and became the first woman in the province to be elected premier by the people.

Though she’s stepped away from active politics, she hasn’t stepped out of public life. In this episode, we dive into her journey through political leadership, what it was like raising her son in the public eye, the tough lessons she’s learned along the way – and yes, her secret to mixing a mean cocktail.

We're stepping into the sultry, smoky world of jazz in this episode — and who better to guide us than the incomparable Holly Cole? Known for her distinctive voice and unforgettable style, Holly has been captivating audiences in Canada and around the world for decades. Join us as we sit down with this iconic artist to talk music, creativity, and the magic of making a song your own.

Canada's Nicole Havrda is burning up the race track for F1 Academy here at home, but also right around the world. She is a rising force in motor sport, she's a young driver, she's very fast, and she is breaking expectations for women in racing. At just 19, she's already making headlines, and we're so excited to have Nicole joining us on The Honest Talk podcast!

From starting out at RBC to becoming Executive VP and Head of Private Banking, Kim Mason has climbed the corporate ladder with purpose – and more than a few reinventions along the way.

She’s been named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women, a Top 50 CEO by Atlantic Business Magazine, and one of Canada’s Top 25 Women of Influence.

In this episode, Kim joins us to talk about career growth, what reinvention really looks like – and the values that keep her grounded at the top.

Meghan Roach may just have one of the coolest jobs in Canada. She's the president and CEO of Roots, the iconic Canadian brand, which is known for its leather, its cabin vibes and the timeless sweats we all grew up loving.

But she is more than just a fashion CEO. She's actually a small town girl from Pembroke, Ontario who became one of the youngest female CEOs of a publicly traded company in Canada, and she's done it with purpose and with grit, and also a lot of heart.

Today, we talk to Megan about leading...

Today on the podcast, we're joined by a truly fascinating guest — Marcy Grossman, Canada’s first female Jewish ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. Marcy’s career in diplomacy is impressive on its own, but what makes her story even more compelling is where it began — in a jail. And no, not in the way you might think.

We first met Marcy in Montreal and were immediately struck by her honesty, humour, and the bold way she’s carved out her own path. In this episode, she opens up about her unconventional journey, from working in corrections to navigating...

Jen and Catherine are back for another catch-up episode! In today’s chat, they reflect on a busy week in Toronto, from election night insights to attending a cut-throat Sens vs. Leafs hockey game. They also dive into the growing momentum behind women’s professional sports in Canada, shifting perceptions of women’s bodies in sport, and how cultural expectations are evolving for the next generation. You don’t want to miss it!

Women’s sports are having a moment – and in Canada, that momentum is only growing. From the rise of women’s hockey to the launch of a brand-new professional soccer league, the game is changing fast.

In this episode, we sit down with Christina Litz, president of the Northern Super League, who’s leading the charge to bring pro women’s soccer to cities across Canada.

Jen and Catherine are back — and it’s officially Women’s Summit season! In this episode, they chat about the thrill of launch day, big-name speakers, and why they’re so excited about this year’s event.

They also get candid about the upcoming Canadian election, what the polling says about the gender divide, and how they’re each navigating the emotional rollercoaster of today’s world (spoiler: quirky murder mysteries and rom-coms may be involved).

Today, we're having a conversation with a woman who had a trailblazing career in politics: Kathleen Wynne! She served as a school trustee and a Provincial Parliament and cabinet member before she was elected Ontario's first and only female Premier.

In her conversation with Jen and Catherine, she gets candid about setbacks, progress, and why she still believes in public service despite rising misogyny and political polarization. Tune in for a real, honest talk on resilience, leadership, and never giving up.

Our special guest for this episode is Demetra Streda, who has had a long career with RBC. In her discussion with Jen and Catherine, she opens up about the power of finding your passion, igniting your curiosity, and taking risks in your career.

She also talks about how she found herself working in finance, the importance of self-trust, and how she learned to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

The world feels especially unpredictable right now – wars, political shifts, financial instability. But even in this uncertainty, more women than ever are stepping up and launching businesses. So, what does it take to succeed as a woman founder today? How do you navigate challenges like being the only woman in the room during a pitch or securing funding in a male-dominated space?

To help answer these questions, we're joined by Sandi Gilbert – fintech CEO, founder, and former Board Chair of the National Angel Capital Organization. She's spent years helping entrepreneurs access the capital they need to grow, and toda...