The Honest Talk

Jessica Holmes teaches us why laughter is the best medicine

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Honest Talk podcast: Jessica Holmes! Comedian, entertainer, and powerhouse of honesty, resilience, and self-acceptance. She’s o...

The first woman to command Canada’s military: A conversation with Gen. Jennie Carignan

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Mandy Gull-Masty on courage, proving people wrong, and redefining leadership

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, we sit down with Mandy Gull-Masty, Canada’s Federal Minister of Indigenous Services – and a leader whose approach to poli...

Curiosity, leadership, and trusting your gut: A conversation with Sue Noble

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

From championing women’s voices to shaping strategic growth at one of Canada’s largest financial institutions, RBC senior executive Sue No...

Melissa Leong’s no-shame guide to starting fresh financially in 2026

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling intimidated by money? You’re not alone. Today, we’re talking with Melissa Leong, a financial expert, author, and media personality...

What we're bringing into 2026 with Jen and Catherine

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 s...

Building SophieGrace: How Emma May created a clothing brand that's taking fashion by storm

02 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How Devinder Gill forged her path in financial leadership

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re thrilled to welcome a true powerhouse in leadership and community impact to the podcast – Devinder Gill. As RBC’s Regional Pre...

How Manjit Minhas built her empire from the ground up

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

From icebergs to lava tubes – Canadian cave diver Jill Heinerth takes us into the unknown

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking to Jill Heinerth – a world-renowned underwater explorer, filmmaker, author, and an accomplished cave di...

Canadian author Claire Cameron on the power of survival – and the value of letting go

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does survival really mean – in the wilderness, in motherhood, and in life? In this episode, Claire Cameron, author of books like How to Sur...

Behind the rise of women's sports with Vancouver's Sinead King

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Le...

Candace Laing on being a champion for Canadian business

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Leadership, compassion, and resilience: Insights from Erin Elofson, President of Mastercard in Canada

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re joined by Erin Elofson, President of Mastercard in Canada, and a powerhouse leader whose career spans major global companies like Pinte...

Melissa Lantsman talks returning to The House of Commons, her path into politics, and lessons learned as a female leader

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is no stranger to making waves – both inside and outside the House of Commons. Melissa Lantsman, Member of Parliament for Thornhill ...

Lieutenant-General Lise Bourgon reflects on a career of firsts in the Canadian Armed Forces

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Bourgo...

Mante Molepo on the future of DEI – and why leaders can’t look away

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Former BC Premier Christy Clark talks politics, parenting, and the double standards faced by female leaders

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today on the show, we’re joined by a trailblazer in Canadian politics – Christy Clark. Christy made history as the 35th premier of British Columbi...

Canadian Jazz singer Holly Cole takes us behind the music

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 dis...

On the track with Nicole Havrda: Canada’s rising F1 Academy star

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

RBC's Kim Mason chats leadership, reinvention, and the power of accepting help

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

The ‘Roots' of reinvention: Meghan Roach on leading an iconic Canadian brand

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

From prison psychologist to Canadian Ambassador: Inside Marcy Grossman's incredible career journey

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today on the podcast, we're joined by a truly fascinating guest — Marcy Grossman, Canada’s first female Jewish ambassador to the United Arab Emira...

Jen & Catherine – From hockey night to election night, and celebrating women athletes

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 at...

Christina Litz – President of the Northern Super League

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Jen & Catherine – Women’s Summit season, election talk, and our emotional survival kits

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 spea...

Kathleen Wynne – Former Premier of Ontario

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Provin...

Demetra Streda - SVP & National Head, Corporate Client Group at RBC

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Sandi Gilbert – Fintech leader & community builder, shares why women should consider angel investing

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The world feels especially unpredictable right now – wars, political shifts, financial instability. But even in this uncertainty, more women than ev...

Jeanne Beker – A life in fashion and storytelling

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For so many of us, Jeanne Beker was our window into the world of high fashion. She took us behind the scenes at major runway shows, inside designer sh...

Jenna Sudds – Federal Cabinet Minister, community leader, and devoted mom

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jenna Sudds’ career has spanned public service, municipal leadership, and now federal politics. She’s been a dedicated advocate for families, econ...

Arielle Meloul – Air Canada’s HR Leader and one of the country’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Arielle Meloul is Canada’s largest airline’s Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs. She’s been recognized a...

Kelly Haston – Scientist, ultrarunner & Commander of NASA's Mars simulation project

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How would you feel about living on Mars? For some, the idea of 300 days in isolation might sound daunting. For others, like today’s guest, it’s a ...

Jen & Catherine – The Honest Talk holiday special

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today is going to be different here on The Honest Talk. Usually, you’re accustomed to hearing a guest on the podcast, but today, Jen and Catherine d...

Kris Depencier – RBC's Executive Vice President, Regional Banking, Personal

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kris Depencier has been immersed in the financial world for almost her entire career, working her way through the ranks at RBC to become Executive Vic...

Jenn Harper – Founder of Cheekbone Beauty

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jenn has had quite a journey from starting the company as a side hustle in her basement to seeing her products sold in Sephora stores across Canada an...

Elizabeth Renzetti – Bestselling Canadian-British author and journalist

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It may come as a surprise that, in 2024, we are still having conversations about gender equality. But, the truth is that equality remains an illusion ...

Chinyere Eni – Head of RBC Origins

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of The Honest Talk podcast, Jennifer and Catherine sit down with Chinyere Eni. Not only is she Head of RBC Origins, but she’s also h...

Mitzie Hunter – President & CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Since she was a little girl, Mitzie Hunter has used her voice to make a big difference. Whether around the kitchen table with her three brothers, work...

Vinita Savani – Senior Vice President of Personal Lending and Auto Finance at RBC

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jen and Catherine chat with Vinita Savani, who has moved her way up the ranks at RBC since starting with Canada’s largest bank in 1...

Penny Wise – VP at 3M, shares the secret to empathetic leadership and getting women into STEM

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Penny Wise has had a truly distinguished career. From taking on the role of President of 3M Canada to returning to the U.S. to lead the organization’...

Natasha Holiday – Co-Head & Managing Director of Infrastructure (East) at RBC Capital Markets

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our special guest for this episode is Natasha Holiday, Co-Head & Managing Director of Infrastructure (East) at RBC Capital Markets. Throughout our con...

Sophie Grégoire Trudeau — mental health advocate, author of Closer Together

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sophie Grégoire Trudeau has definitely got high name recognition, and she uses it for causes that make a difference for women too, which is something...

Jennifer Gunter — Canadian gynecologist, author of The Vagina Bible, The Menopause Manifesto, and Blood

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Jennifer Gunter is a Canadian obstetrician and gynecologist, a pain-medicine physician, a podcaster, and a best-selling author. Her books The Vagi...

Bif Naked — Canadian rock icon, breast cancer survivor

23 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We have talked to female political leaders and journalists, to activists and athletes. But this episode is the first time we speak with a leading punk...

Silken Laumann — Three-time Olympian, Canadian champion rower, and mental health advocate

19 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Silken Laumann captured the hearts and minds of Canadians by rowing for this country in three separate Olympics — and winning three Olympic medals. ...

Melissa Carvalho — One of Canada's Top 20 Women in Cyber Security, and VP at RBC

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join Jennifer and Catherine on this episode of The Honest Talk as they sit down with Melissa Carvalho, RBC’s Vice President of Global Cyber Security...

Marilyn Denis — A legend of Canadian media

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join Jennifer Stewart and Catherine Clark on this compelling episode of The Honest Talk as they sit down with the iconic Marilyn Denis. In an intimate...

Michelle O'Bonsawin — Canada's first Indigenous Supreme Court Justice

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michelle O'Bonsawin made history as Canada's first Indigenous Supreme Court Justice. She joined us at The Honest Talk to share insights from her 20-ye...

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek: leadership in action

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jyoti Gondek is the first female Mayor of Calgary – a leader who learned the value of compassion and empathy as the daughter of immigrants who came ...

One of the 100 Most Influential Black Canadian Women

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our special guest for this episode is Harriet Thornhill, a former Vice President with RBC and a true champion of mentorship. Harriet has won numerous ...

The woman who trained the Ukrainian army

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lieutenant-Colonel Melanie Lake is one of the most public-facing women in the Canadian Armed Forces. As Task Force Commander of Operation UNIFIER, she...

Ambassador Kirsten Hillman

14 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kirsten Hillman is Canada's Ambassador to the U.S. and the first woman ever to hold this role. In the past, she has also played a critical part in neg...

Christina Cleveland

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Christina Cleveland is RBCs Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion. At a time when D&I discussions are top of mind for businesses, governments, insti...

Premier Heather Stefanson

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Heather Stefanson is the 24th Premier of Manitoba and the first woman ever to hold the role. She was elected to the Manitoba legislative assembly in 2...

Anne-Marie Mediwake

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Canadians from coast to coast jumpstart their mornings with journalist Anne-Marie Mediwake, co-host of Your Morning on CTV.An award-winning national j...

Flora Do

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Meet Flora Do, a remarkable woman who is helping to reshape the face and voice of modern corporate Canada. A progressive and influential voice in Cana...

Vassy Kapelos

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Vassy Kapelos is one of the most well-known figures in Canadian media and politics, and the latest guest on The Honest Talk. An award-winning journali...

Jacie deHoop

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A sports website for women-identifying fans? Now, that is a home run! Just ask Jacie deHoop, co-founder of The GIST, a thriving sports media company a...

Vicki Saunders

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Vicki Saunders is making her mark in a radically different way. Over the span of her career, Vicki has co-founded and run ventures all over the world....

Stephanie Dexter

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stephanie Dexter is the first female president of UPS Canada. From being a package handler to senior leadership, Stephanie has seen it all during a ph...

Minister Carla Qualtrough

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“At a very young age, I seriously committed to myself that I would accept people for who they were.”The Honourable Carla Qualtrough won three Para...

Hazel McCallion

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“If you want to be a success, you’ve got to work hard and you’ve got to give the time that is required to be a success.” She was one of the lo...

Shachi Kurl

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“One of the enduring things that I will always take away from my time as a journalist, was how willing people were to be open and share their storie...

Heather Scoffield

22 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Heather Scoffield is the Ottawa Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star and an award-winning journalist. Previously, she spent almost a decade with the Cana...

Katie Taylor

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“The notion that I’d someday be doing all the things that I am doing is almost unbelievable when you think about where I started.” – Katie Tay...

Dr. Katharine Smart

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“For me throughout my career, advocacy has always been the thing that fires me up the most, brings me the most meaning, and where I feel the most sa...

Jody Wilson-Raybould

10 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“Who I am and where I come from has enabled me to carry myself and be able to confront any challenge that has been put in front of me.” - Jody Wil...

Cheryl Tjok-A-Tam

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“If you can’t be there for yourself, you are not going to have the ability and energy to take care of the others around you.” Cheryl Tjok-A-Tam ...

Ginella Massa

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“I try to keep it real as much as possible because that’s what helps people connect to our show.” Ginella Massa is an award-winning journalist a...

Mairead Lavery

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“Challenges and adversities that you face are only the preparation for the next challenge you are going to face.” Mairead Lavery came to Canada as...

Mandy Rennehan

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

She’s smart, wickedly funny and totally down to earth, and she’s the Blue-Collar CEO. Mandy Rennehan, the founder of multimillion-dollar retail re...

Lisa Weagle

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Two-time Olympian. World Champion. Communications Professional. There’s no question that Lisa Weagle is working towards, and accomplishing, big goal...

Rosemary Barton

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

She is committed, brave and bold. Rosemary Barton, Chief Political Correspondent for CBC News, is an award-winning and long-time political journalist....

Marie Wilson

26 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Marie Wilson is an award-winning journalist who founded northern Canada’s first daily television news service which operated in English, French and ...

The Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson

12 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson arrived in Canada as a toddler, a refugee from Japanese-occupied Hong Kong who grew up to become not just a not...

Jean Augustine

29 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

She came to Canada from Grenada as a teenage domestic worker and went on to become not just the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons and ...

Jennifer Tory

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jennifer Tory spent four decades with the Royal Bank of Canada, a career which saw her scale a dizzying series of heights, retiring as RBC’s Chief A...

Janis Irwin

01 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Janis Irwin is the MLA for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood, the NDP critic for Women and LGBTQ2S+ Issues, and the only openly gay elected representative in...

Indira Samarasekera & Martha Piper

17 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Martha Piper and Indira Samarasekera were the first and so far, only female Presidents of two of Canada’s largest and most respected research univer...

Cindy Blackstock

03 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Cindy Blackstock is a member of the Gitxsan First Nation and serves as the Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, wo...

Kristy Kirkup

20 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kristy Kirkup is Parliamentary Reporter for the Globe and Mail - an award-winning journalist who has worked for Canada’s largest media companies, co...

Megan Leslie

06 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Megan Leslie has spent her life making a difference. She is a climate and equity advocate, and a former two-term Member of Parliament who served as De...

Farah Nasser

23 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Farah Nasser is an award-winning journalist and the anchor of Global Toronto’s supper hour newscasts – a woman who has worked at every level of Ca...

Amber Mac

09 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Amber Mac is a successful entrepreneur, bestselling author, a tv and radio presenter, an award-winning podcast host and a popular keynote speaker. She...

Celina Caesar Chavannes

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Celina Caesar Chavannes is best known to many Canadians as a former Member of Parliament and as a bestselling author of the new memoir “Can You Hear...

Elizabeth Dowdeswell

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell is the 29th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, carrying out constitutional and ceremonial duties as the representativ...

Marnie McBean

21 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Marnie McBean is a three time Olympic champion, a three-time World Champion and a member of both the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame and Canada’s Spor...

Susan Aglukark

07 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Susan Aglukark is a multiple JUNO award-winning Inuk artist whose music has earned international acclaim. She has also received the Order of Canada, a...

Anna Maria Tremonti

23 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Anna Maria Tremonti is one of Canada’s most respected journalists. She has covered major news stories for CBC’s The National, co-hosted The Fifth ...

Sangita Patel

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sangita Patel is a staple in Canada’s entertainment sector – she’s an on-air host with Entertainment Tonight Canada, the current host of HGTV's ...

Serena Ryder

19 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Serena Ryder is a seven time JUNO award-winning, platinum-selling artist, a powerhouse singer whose potent, heartfelt lyrics have inspired and captiva...

Dr. Jane Philpott

05 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Honourable Jane Philpott shot to national prominence as the first medical doctor in Canadian history to be appointed federal Minister of Health, s...

Annamie Paul

19 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Annamie Paul is the Leader of the Green Party of Canada. She speaks four languages, has degrees from the University of Ottawa and Princeton, and is a ...

Erica Ehm

05 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Erica Ehm shot to fame as one of MuchMusic’s pioneering VJ’s, interviewing the world’s best known musical artists. But Erica’s career has been...

Julie Nesrallah

22 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Julie Nesrallah is well known to music lovers as a celebrated opera singer and the host CBC Radio’s national classical music program: Tempo. Julie h...

Marie Henein, Lawyer

08 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Marie Henein has been called Canada’s most high-profile criminal defence lawyer, acting as counsel on high profile cases which have captured nationa...

Mary Walsh

11 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mary Walsh is a Newfoundland actor, writer, comedian, activist, and mother… and she’s a Canadian treasure who has created and starred in some of t...

Pam Palmater

27 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Pamela Palmater is an award-winning Mi’kmaw lawyer, author, and social justice activist from Eel River Bar First Nation who has worked to advanc...

Susan Delacourt

12 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Susan Delacourt is one of Canada’s best known political journalists.  The author of four bestselling books, Susan is currently the National Columni...