The Smoko Podcast
Podcast celebrating women in STEAM and the Skilled Trades. Creating community and highlighting the women within it. Take a break, we're on Smoko.
The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear. Peggy workwear is workwear which fits and functions as it's designed by women for women.
www.peggyworkwear.ca
Episodes
68 episodes
Mia-May Grabovac: Marine Biologist & Arctic Researcher
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week I sat down with Mia-May Grabovac, a passionate marine biology student at the University of Manitoba. Mia shares her fascinating journey into marine biology, from her childhood dream of working with sharks...
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Season 1
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Episode 67
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53:05
Paris Mitchell: Welder & Aluminium Ship Builder
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! Honored to sit down with Paris Mitchell, a talented fourth-year apprentice specializing in alloy boat building in New Zealand. Paris shares her unique journey from learning welding with her dad at fourteen to becom...
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Season 1
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Episode 66
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48:18
Andrea Durdle: Pipe Trades Instructor at Camosun College
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week I sat down with Andrea Durdle, an instructor at Plumbing and Pipe Trades at the School of Trades and Technology at Camosun College. Andrea shares her incredible journey from being a culinary professional ...
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Season 1
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Episode 65
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45:03
Mila Szautner: Mine Engineering Student, & Women in Mining Advocate
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! In this episode,we sit down with Mila Szautner a third-year geological engineering student at the University of Saskatchewan. Mila shares her unique journey into engineering, discussing her initial uncertaint...
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Season 1
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Episode 64
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1:02:09
Julie Laughton: Design Builder & General Contractor
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! In this episode, we welcome the trailblazing Julie Laughton, CEO of Julie Laughton Design Build and JLGC. Julie has over 30 years of experience and is proud to provide her clients a true one-stop shop. She guides t...
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Season 1
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Episode 63
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42:31
Makenna Kuzyk & Jana Gebara of Mission Spacewalker: A University of Alberta Space Exploration & Research Team
*Note: throughout this episode I accidentally mispeak and pronounce Jana Gebara’s name incorrectly. The correct pronunciation of her name is Jah-nah rather than Yah-nah.Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by two e...
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Season 1
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Episode 62
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46:42
Rachel Bourne: Geotechnical and Environmental Driller
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by Rachel Bourne, a pioneering female driller in the geotechnical and environmental drilling industry. Rachel’s journey is a testament to breaking barriers and challenging norms in a traditio...
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Season 1
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Episode 61
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58:30
Katrina Van Osch-Saxon: Urban Forester, Arborist, and Professor at Fleming College
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We’re joined by Katrina Van Osch-Saxon, a professor at Fleming College in the School of Environment and Natural Resources. Katrina specializes in urban forestry and agriculture, focusing on tree care and forest hea...
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Season 1
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Episode 60
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52:57
Jhalak Batta & UA-WISE: University of Alberta- Women in Science and Engineering Club
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by Jhalak Batta, affectionately known as Jay, a dynamic third-year student at the University of Alberta pursuing studies in Psychology, Sociology, and Biological Sciences. Jay shares her comp...
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Season 1
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Episode 59
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44:43
Bethany Mercieca: Carpenter, Sustainable Builder, Women in Trades Advocate
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! In this episode I sit down with Bethany Mercieca, a renowned carpenter from Blue Mountains, Sydney, known for her work with Blue Eco Homes. Bethany shares her unique journey from working in the film and TV industry...
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Season 1
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Episode 58
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43:31
Katherine Andrews: Botanist, Cannabis Specialist, & Associate Director of Cultivation
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we sat down with Katherine Andrews, a botanist with a fascinating background in plant biology and the cannabis industry. Katherine, who holds a Bachelor's in Biology and Environmental Science and a Master...
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Season 1
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Episode 57
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43:20
Dr. Becky Robinson: Geochemist & Professor of Oceanography
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week I sat down with the brilliant Dr. Becky Robinson, a professor of oceanography at the University of Rhode Island. Specializing in marine geology and geochemistry, Dr. Robinson delves into the intricacies o...
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Season 1
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Episode 56
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46:11
Allison Short: Safety Professional, Trainer, & Co-host of the Illusion of Safety Podcast
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by Allison Short, a versatile safety management consultant whose career path is as unique as it is inspiring. Allison's journey began with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, eventually leading...
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Season 1
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Episode 55
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1:02:50
Dr. Heather Jamieson: Environmental Geochemist & Professor Emerita at Queen's University
Take a break, we're on Smoko. This week we're joined by the esteemed Dr. Heather Jamieson, Professor Emerita from Queen's University. With over 22 years of experience in the Department of Environmental Studies and the Department of Geosciences ...
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Season 1
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Episode 54
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56:10
Katarina Hein & Becca Mann of the University of Manitoba OPUS (Organization of Physics Undergraduate Students)
Take a break, we're on Smoko. This week we're joined by two amazing guests: Katarina Hein and Becca Mann, physicists from the University of Manitoba. Katarina and Becca bring their unique perspectives and expertise to the show, offering an enga...
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Season 1
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Episode 53
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59:54
Kaylin McLeod: Manager of Camps at UBC Geering Up Engineering Outreach
Take a break, we're on Smoko. This week we're joined by Kaylin McLeod from UBC Geering Up where we dive deep into the world of STEM education, youth engagement, and the transformative impact of early exposure to engineering.
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Season 1
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Episode 52
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51:10
CCWESTT Live Interview with Keynote Speaker Caroline Mekodom
This special episode is brought to you by CCWESTT, the Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades, and Technology, and features a live interview with Caroline Mekodom at CCWESTT’s biennial conference: Charting a Course, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 51
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30:03
Cate McLellan: Carpentry Apprentice & Women in Trades Advocate
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week I sat down with Cate McLellan, also known as Carpenter Cate from Instagram and TikTok. Cate shares her incredible journey of transitioning from a decade-long career in office administration to becoming a ...
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Season 1
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Episode 50
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52:35
Dr. Molly Patterson: Oceanographer & Assistant Professor at Binghamton University
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we are joined by Dr. Molly Patterson, a renowned oceanographer, climate scientist and Assistant Professor at Binghamton University. In this episode, Molly delves into the critical issue of sea level rise ...
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Season 1
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Episode 49
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44:57
Nhu Nguyen: Auto Mechanic & Certified Porsche Classic Technician
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We're joined by Nhu Nguyen, a trailblazer in the automotive industry and the first female certified Porsche classic technician. From her early days of street racing to the transition into automotive me...
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Season 1
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Episode 48
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40:50
Julie D'Altroy: Provincial Organizer at IBEW Construction Council of Ontario
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! Honoured to sit down with Julie D’Altroy, provincial organizer for IBEW Construction Council of Ontario. A seasoned electrician, Julie provides insights into her journey in the skilled trades and her transition to ...
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Season 1
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Episode 47
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44:29
Ritu Jhaveri: STEM Educator & Founder of Deschool Online Inc
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we are joined by Ritu Jhaveri, a pioneering figure in STEM education. As the CEO and co-founder of Deschool Online, Ritu shares her journey from educator to entrepreneur and discusses the organization's m...
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Season 1
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Episode 46
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38:01
Dr. Sandra Barr: Geologist, Mentor, & Professor at Acadia University
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We're joined by a special guest: Dr. Sandra Barr, a distinguished geoscientist. Dr. Barr is the recipient of the Logan Medal from the Geological Association of Canada, the highest award given in Canadian geoscience...
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Season 1
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Episode 45
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50:37
Shayla Aspden: Red Seal Plumber & Founder of the Tiny Technician
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We're joined by Shayla Aspen, also known as the Tiny Technician, to explore her remarkable journey as a female entrepreneur in the trades. As a gas heating specialist, Shayla's expertise lies in working with gas-po...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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48:01
Kelly Kienleitner: Red Seal Electrician, Red Seal Winder, & EJTC Instructor and Mentor
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! Honoured to sit down with the pioneer we Kelly Kienleitner, an electrician, winder, and educator breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of trades. From her childhood surrounded by tools to becoming the first...
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Season 1
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Episode 43
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50:23