Beyond Our Borders

In 2016, the Huffington Post named Nova Scotia’s Tyler Simmonds one of the “10 inspirational people under 30 you should be following on Twitter.”

An artist and advocate, he is using his voice and talents to create a safe space to discuss mental illness, he encourages vulnerability and how that can be a source of healing and power.

His message is resonating.

His first short film, In My Mind is award-winning. In 2019 he was awarded the JRG Society for the Arts Award to develop his documentary There’s Soul in Our Soil—exploring the link between mental health with systematic and environmental racism in the African Nova Scotian community.

Highlights:

-The lowest point in his life made him realize that his disabilities are his “superpowers”.

-“Just because you have mental illness doesn’t mean that you can’t live the life that you want.”

-Find out what he had to say in the wake of the murder of George Floyd.

-Tune in to find out why he said “meditation is like a cheat code to life.”

-“My community (North Preston) is home. It’s beautiful.”

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

I have so much respect for Lisa Drader-Murphy not just as an international fashion designer but also as a savvy businesswoman with an inspiring work ethic. Tune in to this episode of Beyond Our Borders to find out how she has pivoted during our global crisis. We cover everything from when she first started to much needed hair cuts!

Highlights:

- “Part of being a successful entrepreneur is that you’re always learning from mistakes.”

- A supply of high-end vintage wool she stumbled upon in an employer’s warehouse set in motion what would become a fashion empire.

- Her company is completely vertical and is why she and her team were able to act fast once we were hit with lock down. In fact, it took 24 HOURS to reconfigure their production line.

- Did you know that Lisa and her fashion company are taught in universities for exploring sustainability (long) before it was the trend to do so?

- Find out how she handled getting criticism for making masks.

- Listen to find out her advice to budding fashion designers and why this advice has never changed.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

I couldn’t stop giggling in this interview! One of my absolute favorite conversations with the very funny and talented comedian Trent McClellan.

One of the stars of CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes, not only is he funny he is also incredibly gracious, kind and down-to-earth. Trent talked about his early days and how he had to “develop a sense of resilience”—if you are an artist or creative his words will resonate.

Highlights:

* Trent was a writer for 22 Mins before becoming a cast member.

* Tune in to find out his response to my questions—“why are Newfoundlanders so so funny” and “if there’s anything in the water up there”!

* “We get to make people laugh for a living. It’s a privilege.”

* “Art of good conversation was going by the wayside” is part of what inspired his podcast, the Generators.

* Find out what prompted him to state, “There’s no crying on a yacht!”

Thank you Trent! J

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

About 25 years ago, the injury, rehabilitation and release of an injured robin set in motion what would eventually become a beloved global television series and—one woman’s mission to reconnect humans to their natural world.

I’m talking about the inimitable Hope Swinimer and the critters in the global television series Hope for Wildlife that have captured our hearts. Currently in it’s 10th season, the series documents the rehabilitation and release of thousands of injured or orphaned wild animals.

A charitable organization, they are conducting their first-ever online 50/50 fundraiser. Today (May 6th) is the last day to participate and the winner takes home half of the funds raised! You can purchase tickets here: hoperaffle.ca. The winner will be announced May 9th. Currently the jackpot is $99,540!

This is the second time I interview Hope and it’s truly an honor that she is able to carve out the time as she receives hundreds of emails a day and her rehabilitation and education centre runs seven days a week. Much gratitude to you Hope.

Tune into the full interview by clicking on the link below.

Here are some highlights:

 Hope is a trailblazer in wildlife rehabilitation and is responsible for the first ever permit in Nova Scotia.

 Did you know that you can live anywhere in Nova Scotia and still volunteer for Hope for Wildlife?

 In 2019, Hope was recognized for her lifelong dedication with an Honorary Degree from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, NS.

 “Keep trying and never give up!” is a quote she lives by.

 Even as a shy child Hope had a “…very deep connection to the natural world.”

 Tune in to find out how they are operating during COVID-19.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

She is the first female gymnast from Nova Scotia to go to the Olympics. She’s been described as a “superstar in the world of gymnastics,” and “Canada’s top gymnast.”

Of course I am talking about Ellie Black.

After the 2016 Olympics in Rio she ranked 5th in the world and became the most decorated Canadian female gymnast after the 2019 Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru.

Then she seriously injured her ankle.

I sat down with her (virtually) and had an inspiring conversation. She is a strong and powerful athlete physically-that is obvious but what struck me most is how mentally tough and confident she is.

Like all of us she is adapting to the new COVID-19 reality but it hasn’t stopped her training, it’s altered it. She is also still recovering from ankle surgery. She was set to compete at the 2020 summer Olympic Games in Tokyo but that’s been postponed. None of this has shaken her resolve and her ability to adapt, stay focused and recognize the positives will inspire you.

Thank you Ellie. Here’s to Olympic gold in 2021!

Golden nuggets:

She says that passion for what you do is the number one attribute you need to possess in order to achieve your dreams.

Tune in to find out what accomplishment Ellie is most proud of, it’s probably not what you think.

“The end result you can’t control. Focus on the steps to get you to the end result.”

Yup, even elite athletes will indulge in junk food occasionally. Good to know they’re human too!

Find out how COVID-19 has impacted athletes and their training and how they’re getting around it.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

What are you most grateful for? That is the question that award-winning journalist and author Janice Landry poses in her latest book, Silver Linings: Stories of Gratitude, Resiliency and Growth through Adversity. 15 inspiring Canadians across five provinces tell their personal stories of gratitude through tragedy, pain, loss, and trauma.

Two highly distinguished guests from the United States including the leading world expert on the study of gratitude also answer this question.

All of their answers will surprise and inspire you.

I’ve long admired Janice for her impassioned reporting as a television journalist and her advocacy work on behalf of our first responders. I am grateful for this conversation. Janice is gracious, talented, insightful and so very positive and supportive. Thank you Janice. 🙏🏼

At the end of the interview you will be asking yourself, “What am I grateful for?”

Golden Nuggets from Interview:

•One of Janice’s beloved mentors once asked her two rhetorical questions: “What are you afraid of?“ and “What are you waiting for?” She realized she had to face her fears and she did. She’s now published 5 books.

•No matter what age you are “you have value in society and you can add to it and help other people.”

•”When you’re a creative person...putting yourself out there is absolutely terrifying.”

•Find out why her late father, veteran Halifax fire fighter Basil “Baz” Landry is a true Canadian hero. ❤️

•She lost her beloved mother Theresa Landry while writing Silver Linings, her inspiration for the book. Through this incredible loss she still found gifts of gratitude.

•For budding writers she advises that “it’s okay to have fear but don’t let that stop you.”

•Tune in for so much more.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

I first met film and television producer, Karen Wentzell when she spoke on a Women in Film & Television (WIFT-Atlantic) panel. I was struck by her poise, insight and generosity in sharing her knowledge. She is behind such critically acclaimed hits as the comedy series Seed, the history-making CBC series Diggstown and of course the show that changed the landscape of Canadian television-Trailer Park Boys.

Golden Nuggets:

•Understand you are in the room for a reason. You have a voice. Use it. Be heard.

•”Hearing a good story is like taking a drug.”

•”No one wants to see you fail.”

•”Our film crews here are among the best in the world.”

•Tune in to find out what she had to say about working on the groundbreaking series, Trailer Park Boys.

•Find out about a little known (and very cool!) surfing story that has been uncovered as a result of the work on Diggstown.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Tom Ryan is taking the literary world by storm in the young adult fiction genre. His first novel Way to Go, was chosen as one of the most important works in the history of Nova Scotia. Born and raised in Cape Breton he still considers NS the perfect place to live and spends a few months there every year. Authentic, insightful and talented and so so inspiring -I loved this conversation!

Golden Nuggets:

•His biggest challenge in life was “gaining the confidence to make the decision to leap into becoming a full time creative professional.” -Who can’t relate to this?? Especially us creatives.

•To aspiring writers his advice is to read as much as possible. Read what you like but also read outside of your comfort zone. Practice. Practice. PRACTICE.

•Find out what professional failure taught him the value and power of story.

•”You never get a second to put something out in front of people.”

•Tom came out at the age of 30 and that is what was right for him. He hopes that his work gives others the courage to come out (at a younger or any age) and feel good about themselves.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

I had a great conversation with Leadership Coach, Andrea Janzen. She is authentic, honest, insightful and at times refreshingly raw about her own vulnerability and the universal fear zone of “impostor syndrome”. She has developed tools and strategies to take you from fear and inertia to writing down your goals and checking them off as you achieve them.

With her work (with both men and women) she is on a mission to close the gender gap in the workplace. Her Diversity at Work podcast is a series of interviews and informative episodes about promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Golden Nuggets:

•If you want to make a change in your career, she recommends starting with this question, “What drives your ambition?”

• If you’re not scared you’re probably too comfortable.

•Find out why women need to stop being mentored and should seek to be sponsored instead.

•Why writing down goals helps you to achieve them.

•Tune in to find out where you can purchase her beautiful journal, Ambitious Everyday, it helps to keep you accountable and puts you on the path to realizing your dreams.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Singer. Songwriter. Poet. Lennie Gallant has captured our hearts with 13 albums over the last three decades and has collected numerous awards and accolades along the way. Recently, he was awarded the Order of Canada.

Golden Nuggets:

•Find out who in his family with “a big heart for the underdog” inspires him to this day and how that shows up in his more socially conscious songs.

•One of Lennie’s albums orbited the earth. Seriously! Find out which one and why.

•His advice to budding musicians is to be true to yourself. Write what you know. Take in as much creativity as possible and find your own voice.

•Listen to learn which Martin Luther King Jr. quote inspires him and how it’s more relevant than ever today.

•Tune in to find out where you can see Lennie live in 2020.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Brenda Saunders/Todd is the CEO of Dress for Success Halifax, a global not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic independence for all women. Brenda has committed her life and career to advancing women in our society. She was recently appointed to the Dress for Success International board of directors that includes power women such as the Editor-in-Chief from the Oprah Magazine and a senior VP from Walmart. Smart, kind, generous and a natural leader, here is some insight from our conversation. 

Golden Nuggets: -Innovator behind Halifax’s The Social Boutique, Find out how she made this “economic engine” come to life. -An innovative idea can emerge by simply looking at what you have available from a different perspective. -“Negative self-talk derails a lot of people.” -Find out which best-selling book she recommends as a go-to. Thank you Brenda!

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Guess who I got to interview? Custio!!!! Yup.  The undefeated welterweight boxing champion Custio Clayton who represented his home community of North Preston, Nova Scotia and Canada on the world stage in the 2012 Olympic Games. Humble, gracious and sweet. (Make no mistake though he can knock you out in seconds, he has 11 knockout wins under his belt). 

Check out my conversation with him to gain some insight from a champion.  

Golden Nuggets:  

-“Do it because YOU want it.” 

-“No matter where you come from, if it’s something you want you have to be your biggest supporter.” 

-Find out what athletes have inspired him.  

-Tune into to find what it was really like to represent Canada on the world stage in that ring. 

-Find out why I was so embarrassed when I first met Custio and under what circumstances. You’d never guess!

Thank you Custio. 🙏🏼 Can’t wait for you to bring a big fight to the home turf. I’ll be there.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Jennifer Gillivan is the celebrated President & CEO of the IWK Foundation. Since 2012 she has driven unprecedented results for the organization. She is also so much more. She is a respected leader in Canada, a community builder and a champion of women and children. Smart, kind, humble, innovative and  funny (humour style coming from her Irish roots! 😉). Jennifer you are one of a kind and I thank you for this conversation.

Golden Nuggets:

•What’s your Uber? Find out what she has to say about innovation.

•Ambition isn’t tied to a title.

•Find out which award was significant to her on a personal level.

•Immigrants don’t take, they give.

•Women don’t need to change anything, once they embrace their power they become unstoppable.

•Find out which book changed her life and perspective forever.

•Listen to understand what made her tear up when talking about her beautiful grandson, Franklin.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

In the blink of an eye, an air strike blew up Tareq Hadhad’s idyllic life in Damascus. He and his family lost everything. Forced  into the role of refugee he refused to be a victim and always looked at what he could do or contribute in the moment for a better tomorrow. Articulate, incredibly bright and always a source of inspiration he sits down with me to discuss his journey to Antigonish, Nova Scotia and beyond.

Golden Nuggets:

-“The feeling of fulfillment is way more important than what others expect of you.”

-Tune in to find out what book that’s available on Amazon he was a contributing author to.

-His father, a civil engineer by education built in 1986 what became the second biggest chocolate factory in Syria. It was destroyed in the war but their spirit wasn’t.

-In Antigonish they decided to continue the legacy with Peace by Chocolate, they began selling at the farmers market. After all, his father always said that this sweet treat brings happiness and connection. Now an internationally recognized brand.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

You may not know her name but chances are you’ve see her work. Brittany Pickrem is THE branding expert. Locally she’s worked on brands like the a International Jazz Festival and the IWK Children’s Hospital . Globally she’s worked with Lionsgate Entertainment and on The Wendy Williams tv show. She talks to me today about the do’s and don’ts of branding.

Golden Nuggets:

-Your brand=your sales force.

-Your brand is how you show up to the world.

-Good branding will repel certain people, those that are not your customer base.

-Listen to find out all of Brittany’s key insights and all the cool things she’s up to.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

John Wesley Chisholm’s company, Arcadia Content has produced hundreds of hours of television worldwide, including the beautiful gift of a show, Hope for Wildlife. He shares film industry insight; what most budding filmmakers get wrong when seeking funding; and the four crucial elements he looks for in a story. 

Golden Nuggets:

-Change creates opportunities in life. 

-Stories have to intuitively make sense to people.

-Success increases the responsibility towards the front line of those who are struggling and to address the problems of the day. 

-Provide a solution to someone’s problem and you never have to “sell” anything. 

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Saeed El Darahali arrived in Canada with his family at the tender age of 12 and he didn’t speak any English. At 14, he became a first time entrepreneur selling cotton candy. By 17 he enlisted in the military to give back to his country. 

Today he is a globally recognized top tech CEO. His company SimplyCast, is one of the world’s first multi-channel marketing platforms, helping companies efficiently and effectively communicate with their customers. He was recently congratulated by the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau on the occasion of the company’s 10th anniversary. Don’t miss this conversation with a recognized leader and tech innovator!

Golden Nuggets:

- When it comes to hiring it’s important to understand what someone’s passion is. 

- You have to be prepared to put in thousands of hours to build a company. This was Saeed’s biggest challenge in the beginning—working 18 to 20 hrs a day, 24 hours never seemed enough. 

- Millennials seek to make an IMPACT and will sacrifice income to do so.

- No one at SimplyCast reports to anyone else. Saeed recognizes that positivity makes people work hard not the fear that can come into play when trying to please a boss.

- A great leader is one who listens.

- Find out more about SimplyCast’s upcoming 10th anniversary extravaganza. 

- Find out what business book Saeed recommends!  

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Listen up! Especially all ambitious, driven women out there who are living with purpose and who desire to create a positive impact. Eleanor Beaton is this week’s podcast guest and you don’t want to miss it. She is an internationally recognized women’s leadership and business coach, a sought after keynote speaker and all around rock star! Below are some highlights: 

Golden Nuggets:

- It’s normal to have anxieties or doubts when going for a goal that’s beyond your comfort zone. Eleanor describes it as “fighting inertia” and navigating it on a daily basis. It can also be especially insidious for women and show up in different costumes. Know that you are on the right track!

- Growing up in a small town in Nova Scotia Eleanor felt like an outsider. Many of us can relate to this. While it was tough, this experience fostered a strong sense of individual thought, experience and expression.

- Great women achievers tend to have two things in common: one is that they have the ability to navigate loneliness; and two they are proactive in uncovering those supporters who support them for who they are becoming and not who they think they should be.

- Women already are proven leaders, we need to learn the art of power and influence. 

- Your opinion of yourself is what matters most, not the opinions of the nameless masses. 

- Learn to be an active participant and observer of your self-doubt rather than interpreting it as you lacking something. 

- Tune in to see what book has recently inspired Eleanor.

- There is so much more! Tune in to find out what this powerhouse entrepreneur has to say.   

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd