The Smoko Podcast
The Smoko Podcast is a show that highlights the stories of women working in non-traditional roles. The scoundrels working in STEM, Trades, and Ag; and the organizations supporting them.
The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: technical workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.
Episodes
90 episodes
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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.
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Sinéad Clarkson: Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Women in Construction Advocate, and Law Masters Student
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We're joined by Sinéad Clarkson, a passionate quantity surveyor advocating for gender diversity in construction. Sinéad sheds light on her unconventional journey into quantity surveying. Si...
Becky Nesel: Geologist, Science Communicator, and Hudsy Host of New York ROCKS with Geo Beck
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! Honoured to sit down with geologist and science communicator, Becky Nesel aka Geo Beck. Join us as we delve into our mutual love for the natural world and the captivating wonders of geology. Becky shar...
Tam Pham: Molecular Biologist and Director of Youth Engagement at SCWIST (The Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology)
Take a break, we’re on Smoko! Honoured to sit down with Tam Pham, biochemist and advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM. Tam shares her journey into biochemistry, her research into peptides, and the importance of making scientific concept...
