Beyond Our Borders 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

Host: Tanya Chedrawy tanyamedia.com 

Guest: Tyler Simmonds https://www.tylersimmonds.com/

Recorded through the facilities of Podcast Atlantic

Sound Recording and Editing by Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic

Follow us on Twitter: @TanyaChedrawy

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyachedrawy/

Music Far Away by Pre Kiilstofte

Logo Created by Tanya Chedrawy

Email us at: tanya@tanyamedia.com

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

Host: Tanya Chedrawy tanyamedia.com 

Guest: Lisa Drader-Murphy  https://lisadradermurphy.com/

Recorded through the facilities of Podcast Atlantic

Sound Recording and Editing by Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic

Follow us on Twitter: @TanyaChedrawy

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyachedrawy/

Music Far Away by Pre Kiilstofte

Logo Created by Tanya Chedrawy

Email us at: tanya@tanyamedia.com

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

Host: Tanya Chedrawy tanyamedia.com 

Guest: Trent McClellan https://trentscomedy.com/

Recorded through the facilities of Podcast Atlantic

Sound Recording and Editing by Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic

Follow us on Twitter: @TanyaChedrawy

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyachedrawy/

Music Far Away by Pre Kiilstofte

Logo Created by Tanya Chedrawy

Email us at: tanya@tanyamedia.com

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

Host: Tanya Chedrawy tanyamedia.com 

Guest: Hope Swinimer https://www.hopeforwildlife.net/

Recorded through the facilities of Podcast Atlantic

Sound Recording and Editing by Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic

Follow us on Twitter: @TanyaChedrawy

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyachedrawy/

Music Far Away by Pre Kiilstofte

Logo Created by Tanya Chedrawy

Email us at: tanya@tanyamedia.com

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

Host: Tanya Chedrawy tanyamedia.com 

Guest: Ellie Black - Canadian Olympic Gymnast http://www.gymcan.org/disciplines/womens-artistic-gymnastics/national-teams/ellie-black

Recorded through the facilities of Podcast Atlantic

Sound Recording and Editing by Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic

Follow us on Twitter: @TanyaChedrawy

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyachedrawy/

Music Far Away by Pre Kiilstofte

Logo Created by Tanya Chedrawy

Email us at: tanya@tanyamedia.com

Listen up! Have you ever thought about starting a podcast? Do you already have one? Or, do you just like listening them? My guests in this episode of Beyond Our Borders are the funny and dynamic Rhy Waters and Jonathan Burns. Digital serendipity brought them together and they have joined forces to take the podcasting world by storm. Podstarter is their podcast—about podcasts. They can also help you in any stage of podcasting (podstarter.io).

They are content kings. Their combined work has been seen or heard by millions of people around the world. Rhys is a BAFTA award-winner who’s worked with the BBC and other global brands such as NBC Universal and Aston Martin. Jonathon has worked with Lego, Disney and the NBA.

For them, it’s so much more than setting up your podcast. They help you to develop your marketing strategy in order to reach and build your audience.

I absolutely loved this conversation. You will too. (and you don’t have to be a content producer or podcasting nerd like us! )

Golden Nuggets:

- Tune in to find out what comprises a successful podcast. You might be surprised by their answers.

- Passion and authenticity are fundamentally important to podcasting.

- Listen to find out why Rhys calls podcasting “a secret weapon.”

- Good content doesn’t necessarily mean you will find an audience.

- You have to market in a saturated space or you won’t be found.

- Even if you have 5,000 downloads an episode doesn’t mean you can quit your day job. Find out more about the road to monetization.

- Finding an audience is a “partnership between a good marketing exercise and good content.” –Jonathan Burns

- Leverage your “micro-content” to lead people to your podcast.

- So much more.

Producers: Tanya Chedrawy & Michael Boyd

Host: Tanya Chedrawy tanyamedia.com 

Guest: Rhy Waters and Jonathan Burns - Podstarter

Recorded through the facilities of Podcast Atlantic

Sound Recording and Editing by Michael Boyd of Podcast Atlantic

Follow us on Twitter: @TanyaChedrawy

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyachedrawy/

Music Far Away by Pre Kiilstofte

Logo Created by Tanya Chedrawy

Email us at: tanya@tanyamedia.com