My mom was a maker (and long time rug hooker) and making things was her love language. A recent health crisis has brought up fresh grief for my mom. I have found myself wishing we had just one more conversation. I have created From Her Hands to Mine, the first in an Adornment series. It is a…
After a bit of a rocky ending to 2024, I knew I needed a word for 2025 that encompassed lots of self compassion, a sense of ease and more. I’ve been choosing a word for the year for several years. A word for the year is like a signpost that I can return to again…
Welcome to Renegade Conversations! This is Season Four, Episode 24. My next guest is Shelly Elsliger. As a child Shelly lost her voice to a bully. As an adult, she awoke that silence to become an advocate and powerful force against bullying on LinkedIn. She has become an agent of change focused on diversity, equity…
My next guest is Lil MacPherson, a woman who has done many things, all with a common thread of improving the earth and the food we eat. And she has even run for political office, not once but twice. She is a successful entrepreneur and sought after advocate and speaker. Welcome to Renegade Conversations! This…
My next guest is bringing a breath of fresh air and her whole unapologetic self to everything she does. And we have the most amazing wild woman connection. I can’t wait for you to meet her. Welcome to Season Four, Episode 22 of Renegade Conversations. Sophie Bretag is the CEO and Founder of Metta Leaders. She…
Welcome to Season Four, Episode 21 of Renegade Conversations! The first word that comes to mind when I think of today’s guest is brave. Liz LeClair is a fundraising professional who has spoken out about sexual harassment in the fundraising and non-profit sectors, at great personal cost to herself. In 2019, Liz published an op-ed…
My next guest is an artist, anti-capitalist business consultant and social justice educator. Welcome to Season Four, Episode 20 of Renegade Conversations. Join Bear Hebert and I (host Meryl Cook) for this very insightful conversation. I hadn’t known very much about anti-capitalist business before my friend Anita Kirkbride (who is an anti-hero social media consultant)…
Welcome to Renegade Conversations! This is the first episode of Season Four. I can’t believe it’s one year since I started Renegade Conversations. We are still having so much fun and meeting the most amazing women. I must admit to being somewhat starstruck by this next guest. Dr. Julie Macfarlane is an advocate for access…
Are you an empath? Someone who feels deeply what the people around you are experiencing? Do you operate on a mostly intuitive level? People who know you may describe you as sensitive. Having these qualities can be a great asset – for tuning into others, making them feel seen and heard and for a host…
August in the Maritimes reminds me of cool nights, fresh corn on the cob and tomatoes. This summer we are blessed to have a bumper crop of tiny tomatoes and basil – such a great combination! In these economic times and at this stage of my life (midlife and beyond), I’m trying to focus on…
Welcome to Season Three, Episode 18 of Renegade Conversations. My guest today describes herself as a reluctant university administrator who has always worked to improve the experience of students while supporting faculty. That’s a tall order. In an interview with a local media outlet, she said when she interviewed for her current position, it was…
Welcome to Season Three, Episode 17 of Renegade Conversations! My guest today is Dr. Kristin Williams, a polemical feminist whose specialty is uncovering neglected historical female figures. I had to look up the meaning of the word polemical, which means expressing a strongly critical attack on or controversial opinion about someone or something. I loved…
Welcome to Renegade Conversations. Season Three, Episode 16. My guest today is funny, engaging and calls it as she sees it. She has overcome many challenges, which she shares in a practical, no holds barred way. Hold onto your seats and get ready to be inspired. Debbie Adams has been challenging assumptions for more than…
My guest today is a lawyer who has transformed the way she practices law, a hockey player, and a member of a band called ‘The Mother Pluckers.” Corinne Boudreau is the daughter of a teacher and a lawyer. This probably explains a lot about her desire to share and explain the legal stuff. Being a…
This opinion may be somewhat controversial. I believe that our body produces symptoms when we are out of balance. These symptoms can point to emotional or spiritual issues that need addressing. By producing aches and pains, or other types of illness, our body is giving us clues that we are blocked on some level. By…