Cape Breton Accents

Cape Breton University

This is Cape Breton Accents, a podcast hosted by President David Dingwall that celebrates the stories and perspectives that make our community vibrant and unique. From campus life to global impact, we're excited to share the stories that define Cape Breton University.

  1. David Mortimer

    APR 14

    David Mortimer

    David Mortimer – From Glace Bay to Hollywood David Mortimer, a proud CBU alumnus from Glace Bay, joins President Dingwall to discuss his journey from studying environmental science at Cape Breton University to building an impressive career in film and television. From his first movie role during his first year at CBU to premiering two films at the Toronto International Film Festival, David’s story is one of determination, resilience and saying yes to opportunities. The conversation explores how David balanced his education with his lifelong dream of acting, why he pursued an environmental science degree alongside his creative ambitions and how his time at CBU taught him the discipline and habits that directly translated to memorizing scripts and handling rejection in the entertainment industry. From journaling and road trips inspired by Matthew McConaughey to offering advice and mentorship to young creatives in Cape Breton, David shares practical insights on pursuing a career in the arts while staying connected to home. His message is clear: take your creative goals seriously, post the cringe stuff, go all in and expand rather than abandon your roots. Listen now on Youtube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Learn more at cbu.ca/podcast. Don’t forget to share the episode, leave a review and let us know who you’d love to hear from next

    29 min
  2. Tyler Mattheis

    MAR 24

    Tyler Mattheis

    Tyler Mattheis – Building a Stronger Cape Breton Tyler Mattheis, President and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership, joins President Dingwall to discuss the region’s economic future and the work being done to promote Cape Breton, grow a culture of entrepreneurship and connect people with the resources they need to succeed. The conversation explores emerging opportunities in green energy, defense and the creative economy, while tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing the region. Tyler shares his perspective on Cape Breton’s strategic advantages and why collaboration between post-secondary institutions like CBU, private sector partners and government is essential for building momentum. From workforce development to renewable energy potential, Tyler makes the case for why Cape Breton’s story is one of resilience, innovation and untapped potential. Listen now on Youtube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Learn more at cbu.ca/podcast. Don’t forget to share the episode, leave a review and let us know who you’d love to hear from next!

    24 min
  3. Megan Penney

    MAR 4

    Megan Penney

    Megan Penney – Building Business, Building Community Cape Breton Accents welcomes Megan Penney, a three-time Cape Breton University graduate and Chief Executive Officer of the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce. From earning her Bachelor of Arts and Community Studies, Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development at CBU to leading one of the region’s most important business organizations, Megan shares how her experiences at CBU shaped her commitment to giving back to the community. Megan sits down with President Dingwall to discuss the Chamber’s role in advocating for local businesses, building stronger connections between government and the business community, and creating opportunities for networking and growth across the CBRM. With over 300 members and a renewed focus on advocacy, education and collaboration, Megan shares the Chamber's vision for 2026 and beyond. From strategic planning to empowerment conferences, Megan offers insight into what it takes to lead with confidence and build a stronger Cape Breton together. Listen now on Youtube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Learn more at cbu.ca/podcast. Don’t forget to share the episode, leave a review and let us know who you’d love to hear from next!

    8 min
  4. Annette Verschuren

    FEB 17

    Annette Verschuren

    Annette Verschuren - A Legacy of Leadership After 20 years of service, Annette Verschuren, O.C., recently concluded her tenure as Chancellor of Cape Breton University, the longest-serving Chancellor in Canadian history. In this special episode, President Dingwall sits down with Annette to reflect on her remarkable journey, the mentorship she received from the late Purdy Crawford, and the moments that defined her two decades inspiring thousands of graduates. From her work with the Mars Discovery District to championing women's leadership and entrepreneurship, Annette discusses what drives her and why she remains deeply committed to Cape Breton's future.

    22 min
  5. Madame Diana Fox Carney

    FEB 4

    Madame Diana Fox Carney

    Madame Diana Fox Carney – A New Era for Women’s Hockey Cape Breton Accents is back for Season 2, and we’re kicking things off with a historic moment for women’s hockey in Canada being made at Cape Breton University. President Dingwall welcomes Madame Diana Fox Carney, British-Canadian economist, former university hockey player and spouse of Prime Minister Mark Carney, to reflect on a groundbreaking milestone at Cape Breton University. Mme. Carney joins the conversation to discuss the Grand Opening of the newly renovated Kehoe Forum – the first arena in Canada dedicated to women’s, girls’ and para hockey. From her own experiences navigating ice-time inequality as a player to championing opportunities for the next generation, Mme Carney shares what this milestone means for the future of the sport and why CBU’s commitment to equity and accessibility matters on a national scale. Listen now on Youtube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Learn more at cbu.ca/podcast. Don’t forget to share the episode, leave a review and let us know who you’d love to hear from next!

    41 min
  6. Ness Timmons

    09/11/2025

    Ness Timmons

    In this episode of Cape Breton Accents, President David Dingwall sits down with legendary Capers coach, Ness Timmons. Ness is a three-time U SPORTS Coach of the Year and the driving force behind one of the most successful university soccer programs in the country. As Ness prepares to enter his 30th season with the CBU Women’s Soccer team, he reflects on building a culture that values character, attitude and purpose on and off the field. From fostering leadership in every player to instilling the belief that attitude is everything, his holistic coaching style has shaped generations of student-athletes. Listen to the end to learn about the National Championship win that brought Cape Breton Island together and discover why Ness believes great teams always see the bigger picture. Stream now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Learn more at cbu.ca/podcast

    12 min
  7. Ava Graham

    07/22/2025

    Ava Graham

    Episode 13 - Scholarships, Science and Stepping into New Opportunities with Ava Graham In this episode of Cape Breton Accents, President Dingwall sits down with Ava Graham, a standout student whose CBU experience is defined by curiosity, leadership and a few unexpected pivots along the way. Ava reflects on her journey from a spontaneous application to CBU to earning the prestigious Chancellor’s Scholarship, leading as Vice-President of the CBU Students’ Union and working in Dr. Stephanie MacQuarrie’s research lab. She also shares how her love for science and policy led her to a new path of a dual degree in law and health administration at Dalhousie University. Tune in to hear why Ava believes showing up, asking questions and getting involved on campus can change everything. Listen now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Learn more at CBU.ca/Podcast.

    9 min
  8. Dr. Felix Odartey-Wellington

    07/10/2025

    Dr. Felix Odartey-Wellington

    Communication, Leadership and Listening with Dr. Felix Odartey-Wellington In this episode of Cape Breton Accents, President David C. Dingwall sits down with Dr. Felix Odartey-Wellington, Chair of Senate and full professor of Communication at Cape Breton University. With a background in law, advocacy and broadcasting, Dr. Odartey-Wellington brings a unique global perspective to his teaching and leadership at CBU. He discusses the role of Senate as the academic heart of the University, how communication shapes governance and why listening is just as important as speaking. From the courtroom in Ghana to the classroom in Cape Breton, Dr. Odartey-Wellington shares how public speaking and being a good listener, can transform leadership, learning and life. Episode 12 is now live. Listen on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Learn more at cbu.ca/podcast

    17 min
See All (19)

About

This is Cape Breton Accents, a podcast hosted by President David Dingwall that celebrates the stories and perspectives that make our community vibrant and unique. From campus life to global impact, we're excited to share the stories that define Cape Breton University.

Information

  • Creator
    Cape Breton University
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Cape Breton University 2025
  • Show Website
    Cape Breton Accents

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