Women In Media

This week's show will sound a little different! This episode features a Women in Media Network panel recorded live off the floor at PodSummit Calgary on September 19th!

In a podcasting world overflowing with content, authentic voices stand out, and make change.  This powerful panel brings together a group of unique podcasters and producers for an honest conversation on the importance of authentic voices in podcasting.

This conversation will explore what it really means to build a platform with integrity. The panel features award-winning artist and podcaster Jann Arden, who uses her mic to champion e...

Host Sarah Burke discusses media personality Jennifer Valentyne's high-stakes Human Rights Tribunal case in Canadian court this month, alleging gender discrimination and unsafe working conditions. Burke reflects on her own experiences and the systemic issues women face, emphasizing the importance of Valentyne's case for accountability and change.

Revisit the Jennifer Valentyne interview:

https://www.sarahburke.ca/women-in-media-podcast/ep57-jennifer-valentyne

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/jennifer-valentyne-management-failed-corus-human-rights-tribunal-case-1.7653626

https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/

IF YOU HAVE A SIMILAR...

Sarah Burke welcomes back award-winning Anishinaabe/Mohawk storyteller Kim Wheeler, whose work has helped shape the sound of Indigenous media in Canada. She is a journalist, a producer, and a writer. 

Kim updates Sarah on her various shows (how many shows can one woman have!?) and her recent achievements in live television. She reflects on the significance of September 30th for Indigenous communities. shares personal stories about her daughters' careers in the film industry, and highlights the importance of storytelling in preserving Indigenous languages and cultures.

Kim sets up an episode drop of Words and C...

Host Sarah Burke interviews Jennifer Moroz, a podcast and content development specialist and journalist who is launching a new podcast, Furball Confidential. They discuss Jennifer's extensive career in media, her transition from CBC to independent podcasting, and the emotional connections people have with their pets. The conversation highlights the joy and changes that pets bring to our lives.

Follow and subscribe on your favourite podcast app!

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/furball-confidential/id1836662769

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5TkTxGzcGNKzhoEANaLT1d?si=982954c0c1b74c78&nd=1&dlsi=a7e74318e351438...

Host Sarah Burke interviews Naturopathic Doctor Anne Hussain about her new podcast, Phase to Phase: The Hormone Health Show. They discuss Dr. Hussain's journey into naturopathic medicine, the relationship between naturopathic medicine and our medical system, and the challenges women face in navigating all of the above. She discusses the complexities of menopause and perimenopause symptoms and care, and the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare through every phase (of life, and your cycle). Check out this new show on Women in Media Network this fall!

More About Dr. Anne Hussain and Phase to Phase:

Dr...

Host Sarah Burke welcomes junior network producer Maddison Buckingham to discuss her journey into broadcasting and the challenges she faces in the current media landscape and job market. They explore Maddy's experiences in the industry, including her documentary project that received award nominations alongside industry colleagues, and her aspirations for the future in content creation and social media. She also compares her experiences behind-the-scenes to public-facing positions in media, particularly in sports. They discuss the challenges of gender dynamics in the industry, the impact of imposter syndrome on new graduates, and the evolving landscape of media in the digital...

*Episode disclaimer: today's episode will discuss the recent Hockey Canada trial verdict and sexual abuse which some listeners may find triggering. Listener discretion is advised.*

Host Sarah Burke welcomes back Jennifer Dunn, Executive Director of the ⁠London Abused Women's Centre⁠ to discuss the recent acquittal of five former Team Canada World Junior Hockey Players in a high profile sexual assault case based in London, Ontario.

Dunn shares her emotional response to the verdict and walks the audience through implications for survivors, the challenges faced by victims in the legal system including EM, and the need for...

Sarah Burke interviews Jen Moss, the Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of JAR Podcast Solutions about her urgent call for Canadian podcast funding. They discuss the current state of the Canadian podcast industry, the challenges it faces, and the urgent need for government funding to support independent podcasting as a core cultural industry. Jen shares her insights on storytelling, the importance of authentic narratives, and the role of podcasts in shaping Canadian media. They also explore statistics on podcast listenership in Canada and propose solutions for enhancing support for independent creators.

More About Jen Moss:

...

Sarah Burke interviews broadcaster Tracy Moore at 80a Studios in Toronto as she explores a new chapter after 16 years hosting Cityline; a CityTV show that was recently cancelled after 40 years on the air. Tracy reflects on the show's cancellation, her grief process, and her newfound freedom. Tracy takes us back to finding her voice early in school, her journey into media, her experiences with racism, and her advocacy for body positivity and mental health. Tracy emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and vulnerability, sharing her struggles with postpartum depression and body image. She also speaks about the importance of family...

This is a bonus episode of the Women in Media Podcast; a feed drop from the hosts of Late in 88 discussing Bronwin's recent journey receiving gender-affirming surgery & care.

*This conversation was originally recorded for their feed but they had to pivot for a grant which allows them to create the next season in a much more interesting way than two heads talking online! Together, we decided this conversation was too important to shelve, especially during pride month.*

In this episode, hosts Bronwin and Elinor return from a break to reflect on the impact of their...

Host Sarah Burke interviews director, producer, and writer Robin Bicknell about her career in media and her latest documentary series, Secrets of the Bunny Ranch. They discuss the impact of HBO's Cathouse, the misrepresentation and exploitation of sex workers in media, and the importance of personal stories in documentary filmmaking. Robin shares her journey into the industry, her experiences as a woman in media, and the mental health challenges faced while conducting interviews. The conversation highlights the resilience of women and the need for empathetic storytelling in the media.

More About Robin Bicknell:

Based in...

Host Sarah Burke speaks with Paulette Erato, a leader in the podcasting world and founder of Latinas in Podcasting. They discuss Paulette's journey into podcasting, the importance of representation, and the creation of a supportive community for child-free Latinas. Paulette shares her experiences at podcasting conferences, the challenges of societal expectations, and the evolution of her podcasting community.

More About Paulette:

Paulette Erato is a dynamic leader in the podcasting world, dedicated to amplifying Latina voices and empowering women to take charge of their narratives. As the founder and organizer of the L...

Host Sarah Burke interviews Riley Nimens, an award-winning media professional, freelance events and television producer. They discuss Riley's career from working with the CBC and CTV's W5 to her freelance work in news, live events, and documentary production. Riley shares insights on the challenges and rewards of freelancing, her work at major events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cup, and her passion for storytelling through projects like 'Dear Taliban'. The conversation also explores the evolving media landscape.

More About Riley Nimens:

Riley Nimens is a multi-award-winning producer, director, and business strategist known for her...

Host Sarah Burke interviews Cristina Howorun about her journey from traffic reporter to award-winning journalist at City TV, despite her health challenges. Cristina discusses kidney disease and her experience getting a kidney transplant which eventually began to fail. She finds herself going through the same search to find a living donor as she faces kidney failure again. Cristina emphasizes the importance of mentorship and support from other women in the industry, and she highlights her commitment to investigative journalism and social issues.

More About Cristina Howorun:

After earning a Master’s degree in Political Studies fr...

Host Sarah Burke catches up with Alicia Chirrey, the Series Producer of Dragon's Den. They discuss Alicia's journey from intern to series producer, the evolution of female entrepreneursip on the show, and the inspiring stories of resilience from Canadians. Alicia shares insights into the casting process for the upcoming 20th season, the role of the 'Dragons', and the importance of supporting Canadian businesses.

More About Alicia Chirrey:

As Series Producer of Dragons' Den, Alicia oversees all content-related aspects of the production, from casting and creative direction to ensuring each episode delivers a...

Host Sarah Burke and journalist Karen S. Pugliese sit down in Chicago's Midway airport to test out some new mini mics and discuss the state of media, journalism & podcasting after attending the Podcast Movement Evolutions conference and speaking on a panel about opportunities in Canadian podcasting. Karyn shares her journey in journalism, highlighting her experiences in both broadcasting and podcasting. She speaks about her early work on the podcast, The Disappearance of Natasha Lynn Star, which garnered significant attention. They also discuss the challenges faced by women in media, including the impact of Rachel Gilmore's experience having an election...

Host Sarah Burke discusses the recent elimination of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality in Canada with guests Jacqueline Neapole and Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah, two feminist leaders fighting to reinstate the position and better support the advancement of women and gender equality around the world.

They reflect on the implications of this decision amidst the backdrop of the UN Women's Rights Summit, where they were advocating for gender equality. They highlight the mobilization of feminist organizations, the role of youth in shaping the future, and the urgent call for reinstatement of the ministerial role...

Host Sarah Burke brings light to some important conversations recently brought forward by media colleagues. Kudos to Erica Ehm for writing this straight-up article for International Women's Day about the 'echo-chamber' problem. Thank you to Rachel Gilmore for speaking up and sticking with journalism, despite those who have tried to intimidate her to stop sharing important Canadian perspectives. Thank you to Taylor Kaye who shared her family tragedy on Cynthia and Josie's unmentionables so we can all confront some thoughts we may not otherwise face!

Further reading / listening from this episode:

Erica's...

Host Sarah Burke speaks with Red, a popular Toronto radio personality. Red takes us back to the beginning, being part of the launch of Canada's first Black-owned radio station and the excitement as artists like Jay-Z and Rihanna came through the doors at the old Flow 93.5. Red shares memorable experiences, the challenges of transitioning through career changes, and the importance of authenticity in her personal and professional life. Sarah and Red explore the nuances of navigating opportunities in the media landscape, the evolution of podcasting and radio, and the importance of representation and community connection.

Sarah Burke interviews Sherley Joseph, the co-founder of The Chonilla Network and the woman behind the 'Black Canadian Creators" Podcast and community. Graduating from broadcast school alongside the likes of Sid Seixeiro and George Stroumboulopoulos, Sherley always enjoyed working behind the scenes in production. More recently she stepped into power creating a dedicated community for Black Canadian Creators while helping many other podcasters along their way. It all started with a podcast co-hosted with her husband in which they explored how unique their experiences were as an interracial couple.

Sherley shares her journey through p...

Host Sarah Burke reflects on the great conversations, special guests, and lessons learned through one hundred episodes of the Women in Media Podcast. She discusses the purpose behind her podcast, its evolution, and the empowerment that comes from independence in content creation. Throughout the episode, Sarah shares memorable moments and insights from listeners, friends and colleagues who have played a role in creating both the Women in Media Network and community.

Leave a voicenote:

https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/women-in-media/voicemail/

Women in Media Listeners get 41% off...

Host Sarah Burke speaks with Dr. Leslie Dobson, a clinical and forensic psychologist turned media personality. She talks about everything from working with psychopathic individuals in prisons to working with lawyers representing A-list celebrities. She tells Sarah about her upcoming podcast 'Intentionally Disturbing, which aims to explore the psychology behind disturbing experiences, including cartel members, surgeons, and more. They also touch on the impact of celebrities and politicians abusing power, the role of women in psychology and media. Dr. Leslie also reminds us about the importance of empowerment and self-defense, and talking safety with your kids.

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On the last episode of 2024, host Sarah Burke shares some network reflections & new initiatives kicking off 2025, and is then joined by rock radio sister, Carly Rae Meyers.

Carly was recently laid off from one of her favourite radio gigs at Sonic in Vancouver, so she takes us on a journey back in time to her first radio job, growing up on the airwaves, bouncing back and forth between provinces and great radio stations including 102.1 The Edge in Toronto, and her hopes for the future. She openly shares the challenges she faced navigating relationships and identity within the...

Host Sarah Burke officially welcomes Mary Jo Eustace to the Women in Media network with a conversation about the importance of embracing aging, taking risks, and MJ's recent experience on the reality show Traitors.

Sarah and MJ also swap dating stories sharing their disdain for dating apps and the complexities of dating in the modern world and the humorous yet frustrating experiences that come with the territory! They share personal anecdotes about awkward encounters, while MJ reminds Sarah to remain open-minded in the search for connection.

With an upcoming trip planned to visit her parents...

*Episode disclaimer: today's episode contains discussions about violence against women, including sensitive topics which some listeners may find triggering. Listener discretion is advised.*

According to the UN, Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed. Globally, almost one in three women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their life.

Annually, November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and this year, the date marks the launch of the global UNiTE campaign (Nov 25- Dec 10) — an initiative which kicks off th...

In this episode of the Women in Media podcast, host Sarah Burke interviews Dr. Riley Kirk, a cannabis research scientist and educator who also hosts the Bioactive Podcast on the Women in Media Network! They explore the intersection of cannabis, science, media, and the evolving perception of cannabis in society, especially as it pertains to women. They question some of the advertising challenges that the cannabis industry and content creators within it face, while looking at accepted habits and attitudes towards alcohol. They talk about content creation in the cannabis industry and its inevitable difficulties with censorship. Dr. Kirk...

Host Sarah Burke and guest Jess Knights record an impromptu episode of the Women in Media Podcast. They discuss the implications of the American election as the polls begin to close in real time. They discuss the evolving role of podcasts in political discourse, and the impact of media on voter behaviour. They explore how younger audiences are gravitating towards podcasts for authentic conversations, the significance of women's voices in politics, and the challenges of navigating political discussions in a divided time. Personal anecdotes highlight their experiences in the industry and the importance of supporting marginalized communities. They explore...

From one founder to another, host Sarah Burke interviews Angel Nicole, the founder of the ALIVE Podcast Network.

Angel Nicole transitioned from radio to podcasting after 25 years in the industry, creating the ALIVE Podcast Network to amplify Black voices in media. Angel's background in journalism informs her approach to content creation, although the idea was born out of some misfortune during her maternity leave.

Angel tells Sarah about her podcast network and the vision to provide monetization opportunities regardless of audience size. She emphasizes how community and collaboration are central to the network's success. The...

On a special edition of the Women in Media Podcast, host Sarah Burke hosts a panel of incredible music industry women to discuss their challenges and most defining moments. Panelists:

Cristina Fernandes

Music PR & Publicity @ Listen Harder, established in 2004. Happy 20th anniversary! Listen Harder Inc. is a Canadian independent publicity company specializing in music publicity. Clients include Alexisonfire, City and Colour, Barenaked Ladies, Bedouin Soundclash, Good Kid and Frank Turner! Find out more about Listen Harder: https://listenharder.com/

JJ Wilde:

A chart-topping, history-making, award-winning singer-songwriter dominating the rock music scene...

In this episode of the Women in Media podcast, host Sarah Burke interviews Shayla Ouellette Stonechild, founder of Matriarch Movement. They discuss the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices, Shayla's journey of healing and wellness, and the impact of personal loss on her mission to support Indigenous youth. She also shares some thoughts on mindfulness and her daily practices that foster spiritual connection. They also touch on the significance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, resources for learning about Indigenous issues, and Shayla's aspirations for future collaborations and initiatives.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Matriarch Movement

In this solo episode, host Sarah Burke discusses her experience with AI and social media, specifically focusing on an Instagram trend where ChatGPT roasts your Instagram feed. She shares her identity crisis on social media and the struggle to find her authentic online presence. Sarah explores the use of AI tools in podcasting and the importance of balancing AI-generated content with human finesse. She also provides tips for improving social media presence, such as focusing on quality over quantity, being authentic, engaging with the audience, diversifying content, and offering value. Sarah concludes by inviting listeners to share their thoughts...

On this episode, host Sarah Burke sits down with Saroya Tinker with a live audience at the Queen Street Knix Store in Toronto, in partnership with Monday Girl.

Saroya Tinker is a former professional hockey player who recently transitioned to join the Professional Women's Hockey League’s broadcasting team, both on panel and color commentary. She is also the league's Manager of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Community Initiatives. 

Sarah and Saroya discuss the progress the PWHL has made in providing living wages and full-time opportunities for women in hockey. She shares her personal journey of retir...

Host Sarah Burke revisits a conversation with Olympian Alysha Newman from August 2021, shortly after the Tokyo 2020 olympics didn’t go as planned…

Alysha Newman went to Tokyo only three months after suffering a concussion. She had some recalibrating to do dealing with both the physical and mental effects of her brain injury.

The now 30 year old from London Ontario is smiling ear to ear three years later…after not only winning the bronze medal in women’s pole vault, but also becoming the first Canadian woman to medal in the pole vault! She's actually the first Ca...

Sarah Burke interviews Erika Ayers Badan about her new book, Nobody Cares About Your Career: Why Failure is Good, The Great Ones Play Hurt and Other Hard Truths. They discuss the timing of writing the book, the challenges of transitioning between creative and corporate chapters, and the importance of vulnerability. They also touch on the experiences of being a woman in the media spotlight and the lessons learned from failure. Erica shares her thoughts on mentorship and the value of learning from both experienced professionals and the next generation.

More about Erika:

Erika Ayers Badan...

As entertainment news outlets continue to shrink, two industry powerhouses found themselves with a decision to make: sink or swim.

Katie Colley and Laura Ward, television personalities, discuss their new venture E Dose Daily, their experiences in media, and the challenges and triumphs they have faced along the way. They share insights on content production, industry shake-ups, and the value of owning their own content.

Formerly of Entertainment Tonight Canada and ETalk, Katie and Laura founded the female-led online news outlet, dedicated to delivering the latest updates while providing engaging and captivating coverage. The pair...

Sometimes singers sing about singing, writers write about writing, and podcasters podcast about … yes, podcasting. This episode was recorded live off the floor at Taco Taco as part of the first Soundwave Summit in Toronto, a new indie podcast conference! Things may sound a little different because there is a live audience.

Maureen Holloway and Wendy Mesley were previously on the Women in Media Podcast for episode #36 (listen here), but in this episode, the tables are turned for a discussion about what's new in podcasting, what the biggest challenges are, and how it's going running a podcast ne...

Host Sarah Burke (top left) welcomes a diverse panel of music industry experts to discuss the recent landmark music research study SHARE THE AIR which examines the representation of women, trans artists, black artists, indigenous artists, and artists of colour in radio airplay. The panelists include Dr. Jada Watson (top middle), the lead researcher on the study with Songdata; Bronwin Parks (bottom right), the Creative Director at Feisty Creative; Robyn Stewart (bottom middle), the Executive Director of Women in Music Canada; Keziah Myers (top right), the Executive Director of Advance Music Canada; and ShoShona Kish, (bottom left) the artistic...

Host Sarah Burke welcomes Bronwin Parks & Elinor Svoboda to discuss their new podcast 'Late in 88' launching soon on the Women in Media Network! They share the story of how they reconnected for this project after spending 13 years in school together, but not really as friends. They discuss the importance of representation and inclusion in media and the arts while discussing the challenges and progress of the queer community, the history of Pride, and the impact of legislation and societal acceptance. They touch on the importance of queer history, the healing journey of self-acceptance, and the significance of sharing...

In this conversation, host Sarah Burke speaks with Susan Hay, the longest running female news anchor at Global News, who reflects on her 35-year career and the impact she has made on and off screen. She discusses her show, Making a Difference,' which has resonated most with viewers over the years.

Since 1989, Susan has been seen interviewing everyone from Elton John and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, to Roberta Bondar and David Foster.

She’s travelled around the world to cover impactful stories including the World Vision Africa one-hour TV special segment, which won a Te...

This week's guest is Ziya Tong, an award-winning author and broadcaster, best known for her work with Discovery’s flagship science show, Daily Planet, and NOVA ScienceNow on PBS. She is the author of the best-selling book The Reality Bubble, which was shortlisted for Canada’s most prestigious non-fiction literary prize, and won the Lane Anderson Award for best science writing. Ziya served as the Vice Chair of WWF Canada and currently serves as a trustee of WWF International.

Ziya co-directed a new documentary called Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics with Ben Addelman, and she star...