The founding podcast on the Women in Media Network, host Sarah Burke invites women and gender diverse media personalities to explore the collective triumphs and challenges they experience in the spotlight. Sarah interviews influential guests in entertainment, sports, and social media as they share personal stories surrounding topics like entrepreneurship, motherhood, diversity, and inclusivity. This podcast is a home for empowerment, celebration, and community. Sarah Burke is a broadcaster, podcaster, producer, and the Founder & CEO of the Women in Media Network. https://womeninmedia.network/
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60 recent
August 7, 202645 min
Celebrating 25 Years of Six Shooter Records with Shauna de Cartier
Host Sarah Burke interviews Shauna de Cartier, the founder and president of Six Shooter Records, and one of the first and only female-founded independent record labels in Canada.
They discuss Shauna's journey in the music industry, the importance of partnerships, the challenges of running an independent label, and her approach to artist management. Shauna shares insights on spotting talent and hearing something special live, balancing personal and professional relationships, and the values that guide her work in the music scene.
She reflects on her career highlights as the label celebrates its 25th anniversary, also noting how much the music industry has changed. She touches on the challenges of navigating the global music landscape in the streaming era and addresses the evolution of artist discovery in a digital age with pressure to 'perform' on social media.
https://www.sixshooterrecords.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/sixshooterrecords
https://www.instagram.com/sixshooterrecords
https://www.womeninmedia.network/
https://www.instagram.com/wimnetwork/
https://www.instagram.com/burketalks/
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July 23, 202650 min
Coast to Coast: Ruby Carr's Road to CHUM Radio
In this episode of the Women in Media Podcast, host Sarah Burke interviews Ruby Carr, a seasoned broadcaster and content creator. Ruby shares her journey through various radio markets from Halifax to Vancouver, eventually landing at CHUM in Toronto. She discusses how her family has influenced her career, the challenges and changes in the radio landscape, the importance of mentorship, and the adaptability required to thrive in a rapidly evolving media environment.
Ruby Carr is a broadcaster and digital content creator currently on-air at CHUM 104.5 in Toronto. Ruby has over 15 years of radio experience across the country from her start in Halifax to her morning show in Vancouver before relocating to Toronto. With millions of views across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube she has engaged audiences most recently for CHUM 104.5 and iHeart Radio Canada. Ruby is also the host of the podcast Encore: The Stories Behind the Songs You Love.
https://www.rubycarr.com/
iHeart Radio Canada on TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@iheartradioca
iHeart Radio Canada on YouTube – www.youtube.com/@iHeartRadioCA
CHUM 104.5 on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/chum1045
Encore Podcast – https://www.iheart.com/podcast/962-encore-the-stories-behind-124206648/
Watch Encore on Crave: https://www.crave.ca/en/podcast/encore-the-stories-behind-the-songs-you-love-61728
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Ruby Car and Her Journey
(02:53) The Evolution of Ruby's Broadcasting Career
(05:52) Navigating Different Radio Markets
(08:52) Family Influence in the Radio Industry
(11:57) Adapting to Change in the Radio Landscape
(14:54) Mentorship and Supporting Young Talent
(24:40) Lessons from Mentorship
(27:46) Creative Challenges and Audience Engagement
(30:52) Balancing Vulnerability and Professionalism
(32:33) Navigating Personal Challenges on Air
(36:36) The Importance of Perspective in Storytelling
(39:35) Content Creation and Authenticity
(42:41) Nurturing Future Voices in Media
https://www.womeninmedia.network/
https://www.instagram.com/wimnetwork/
https://www.instagram.com/burketalks/
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July 10, 202622 min
Connection Over Perfection: Jax Irwin Returns
Media personality Jax Irwin returns to discuss her evolution from radio host to podcast host and content creator, building her own media company, and how her small-town roots in Nova Scotia influence her approach to life and work. We also touch on navigating entrepreneurship, partnerships, and redefining success for women in media.
This episode was recorded at The Ritz-Carlton in Toronto during the Women in Entertainment Canada Summit and Awards; an event produced by The Hollywood Reporter in partnership with Access Media Canada.
More About Jax Irwin:
Jax Irwin is a Toronto-based creator and podcast host known for her conversation-driven storytelling and viral short-form content across digital platforms. After years working in broadcast media, she has built a highly engaged audience online through content that blends humour, nostalgia, and authentic human connection.
She is best known for her viral East Coast Calls series, where spontaneous conversations with strangers have become a signature part of her storytelling style, generating more than 60 million views worldwide.
In addition to her creator work, Jax co-hosts the audio and video podcast
"Adam Wylde & Jax", and has collaborated with brands including GM Canada, Paramount+, Tim Hortons and more on digital campaigns. With a background that bridges traditional media and the creator economy, she brings a unique perspective on engagement, storytelling, and the ever-changing digital landscape.
https://www.jaxirwin.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@JAXONAIR
https://www.instagram.com/jaxonair
https://linktr.ee/adamwyldeandjax
More About Women in Entertainment Canada:
https://womeninentertainment.ca/honourees/
https://www.womeninmedia.network/
(00:00) - Introduction: Women in Entertainment Event
(00:28) - The uplifting atmosphere at the women-only event
(00:49) - Rise of video podcasting and brand partnerships
(01:18) - Jax’s journey of betting on herself and starting her media company
(02:09) - The highs and lows of entrepreneurship and financial uncertainty
(03:09) - Deepening connection with her audience through vulnerability
(03:38) - The shift from radio to podcasting and authentic storytelling
(04:08) - Navigating systemic challenges faced by women in media
(05:05) - The evolving nature of on-camera confidence and digital content
(06:13) - The importance of processing before sharing personal stories
(07:06) - Navigating partnerships and influencing after leaving Bell Media
(08:29) - Support from fellow industry players and collaborative trust
(09:09) - Transparency in content creation and discussing numbers
(09:39) - The potential of video in traditional morning radio formats
(10:31) - The significance of women-led morning shows in Toronto
(11:27) - Designing and implementing on-camera studio setups in radio
(12:27) - Building confidence on camera and self-acceptance
(12:53) - Gaps in Canadian media: morning shows and content opportunities
(13:44) - Aspiring to work in film and television, and potential projects
(14:15) - The value of creative autonomy with Paramount campaigns
(15:12) - The unique content gaps in Canadian media and media innovation
(16:10) - Sharing her bucket list: film, TV, and a possibly upcoming cook book
(16:54) - Lessons from Nova Scotia: Connection over perfection
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June 17, 202647 min
Canada Down: Liz Duff at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Event
This episode was recorded at The Ritz-Carlton in Toronto during the Women in Entertainment Canada Summit and Awards; an event produced by The Hollywood Reporter in partnership with Access Media Canada. The summit featured a remarkable lineup of guests, including best-selling author Rachel Reid, whose novel Heated Rivalry inspired the major Canadian TV series.
The awards ceremony was a highlight, with notable honorees like Lilly Singh, who received the Equity in Entertainment Award. Lilly delivered a powerful speech on the real-world impact of representation in media while calling for genuine change in the industry.
Stacey Aglock McDonald and Alethia Arnekook Baril, the Inuk screenwriters behind North of North, were celebrated with the Breakthrough Award.
The event also honored actress Malin Akerman with the Impact Award and comedy legend Andrea Martin with the Icon Award.
Ahead of the awards, Sarah Burke interviewed Liz Duff, creator and host of the Late Night Scrolling podcast to discuss her pivot from the tech industry to content creation, and her passion for spotlighting Canadian pop culture.
Find Liz & her Podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/cw/LateNightScrolling
https://shows.acast.com/late-night-scrolling/about
https://www.instagram.com/producerliz/
More About Women in Entertainment Canada:
https://womeninentertainment.ca/honourees/
https://www.womeninmedia.network/
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May 20, 202615 min
Solo Episode: The C Word
It's time for a solo episode of reflections. Host Sarah Burke unpacks “the C word...”
Not that c word. COMMUNITY! Community celebrates you. Community humbles you. Community challenges you. Community will hold you accountable and show up for you when you least expect it. Let's dig in...
After an emotionally intense stretch of events, conversations, and industry moments, Sarah reflects on the complicated reality of building spaces designed to support women, creators, and independent voices. From the emotional labour of leadership to navigating boundaries, visibility, and expectations, this episode explores the parts of community-building people don’t always talk about publicly.
Sarah also opens up about the evolving responsibility that comes with creating safer spaces in media, why care matters more than clicks, and how podcasting has become both a refuge and a mirror for deeper conversations happening across media.
Connect with Sarah Burke and Women in Media Network:
https://www.womeninmedia.network/
https://www.instagram.com/wimnetwork
https://www.instagram.com/burketalks
Subscribe to the Women in Media Newsletter:
https://women-in-media-network.myflodesk.com/newsletter
Book A Discovery Call:
https://www.womeninmedia.network/book/
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May 5, 202653 min
Colleen Rusholme's Untold Story: Truth, Trauma & Taking Back Your Power
Host Sarah Burke sits down with veteran broadcaster Colleen Rusholme who reflects on the highs and lows of her 30 year career, the pivotal moments that shaped her voice, and the realities of working in an industry that hasn’t always been safe or equitable for women. With honesty and new clarity, she shares her experience navigating toxic environments, the courage it takes to speak out, and the personal toll of confronting past trauma.
Together, Sarah and Colleen explore the intersection of identity, resilience, and reinvention. From stepping away from daily radio to redefining success on her own terms, the conversation also underscores the importance of mentorship, accountability, and creating safer spaces for the next generation of broadcasters.
More About Colleen Rusholme:
Colleen Rusholme is a Canadian radio and television broadcaster, who began her career as a news reporter at CFRB Toronto. She cohosted with Tom Rivers on Talk 640 mornings and q107 afternoon drive. Colleen later worked as morning co-host on EZ Rock 97.3 with Stu Jeffries. This later became boom 997 where she did the morning show with Humble Howard. Colleen also did morning shows with Energy and Fresh radio. She retired from radio after 5 years of mornings at Boom 997 in Ottawa with Tim Morgan in 2024. A 30 year radio career.
Other fun things : She was an airborne traffic reporter, a co- host of CMT Central flagship show, and the voice of many CBC, Discovery and HGTV programs. Colleen now does radio imaging, V/0 tv narration and commercial work from her home studio.
Listen to Jennifer Valentyne on the Women in Media Podcast:
https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/women-in-media/jennifer-valentyne-part-one/
https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/women-in-media/jennifer-valentyne-part-two/
Listen to Maureen Holloway's Recent Women in Media Episode:
https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/women-in-media/maureen-holloway-returns/
Follow Along with Jennifer Valentyne vs. Corus Entertainment:
https://www.chrt-tcdp.gc.ca/en/human-rights/human-rights-public-hearings
Connect with Sarah Burke and Women in Media Network:
https://www.womeninmedia.network/
https://www.instagram.com/wimnetwork
https://www.instagram.com/burketalks
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Colleen RushHome
(02:58) Reflections on a Radio Career
(05:58) Navigating Personal Challenges on Air
(08:59) The Journey into Broadcasting
(11:58) Starstruck Moments and Memorable Interviews
(14:59) Facing Industry Challenges as a Woman
(18:01) The Impact of Toxic Work Environments
(21:07)The Struggle for Change in Broadcasting
(24:05) The Aftermath of Abuse and Moving Forward
(27:51) Navigating Career Changes and Personal Growth
(29:59) The Impact of Speaking Out
(32:56) Facing the Past: Confronting Abusers
(36:50) The Emotional Toll of Trauma
(40:53) Healing and Moving Forward
(43:50) Mentorship and Supporting the Next Generation
(46:42) The Evolution of Broadcasting and Podcasting
(50:42) Hopes for Change in the Industry
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April 21, 202628 min
When the Game Changes: Evanka Osmak on Grief and Finding Hockey at 41
You know her as one of the most trusted voices in Canadian sports broadcasting - a veteran anchor at Rogers Sportsnet and that friendly voice you've come to love after a Blue Jays win (or loss). Off-camera and in the pages of her new book, there is a much more personal story about what happens when life shifts in a way you really can’t prepare for.
Her first time on this podcast, it was the shift to motherhood, but now she's reflecting on writing her first book, When the Game Changes. Evanka Osmak opens up about losing her mother, and navigating grief while still showing up personally and professionally.
https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/When-the-Game-Changes/Evanka-Osmak/9781668057926
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Grief and Personal Transformation
(02:59) The Process of Writing and Vulnerability
(05:58) The Diagnosis: A Life-Altering Moment
(08:57) Compartmentalizing Grief in a Public Role
(11:58) Discovering Hockey: A New Passion
(14:53) Finding Joy Amidst Grief
(17:57) The Role of Community in Grief
(21:02) Navigating Conversations Around Grief
(24:11) Lessons from Jeannie: A Mother's Legacy
Connect with Sarah Burke and Women in Media:
https://www.womeninmedia.network/
www.instagram.com/burketalks
www.instagram.com/wimnetwork
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April 7, 202657 min
Women in Music Artist to Artist: Simone Denny & LU KALA
Recorded live at the Women in Music Canada Summit, this artist-to-artist conversation brings together two generations of trailblazers in pop and dance music. Host Sarah Burke moderates this discussion between Simone Denny —Canadian dance and house icon, 7x Juno nominee, 4x Juno winner, and Women in Music Career Achievement Award recipient—and LU KALA, Juno-nominated pop powerhouse behind the viral anthem “Pretty Girl Era” and a Billboard Rising Star honouree.
Together, they unpack what empowerment really feels like, how family, culture, and growing up in Toronto shaped their sound, and what it means to be Black women working in genres where they’re still treated as exceptions. They talk candidly about body criticism, confidence, and turning online comments into affirmations and anthems.
They also discuss the invisible labor of social media and always being “the brand." Along the way, they reflect on mentorship, the people who speak your name in rooms you’re not in, the reality of non-stop hustle in today’s music industry, and how they each define success and legacy on their own terms.
https://simonedenny.com/
https://www.igobylu.com/
https://womeninmusic.ca/
https://www.womeninmedia.network/
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March 8, 202625 min
From Podcast to Network: Celebrating 5 Years of Women in Media
This week on the Women in Media Podcast, we’re celebrating International Women’s Day and two milestones — five years of the podcast and two years of the Women in Media Network.
Host Sarah Burke reflects on the past year for women in media and culture, highlighting major headlines and powerful statistics about women’s growing influence across industries. From the explosive growth of women’s sports audiences to the rise of women-led podcasting, the numbers tell us women’s voices are shaping the future of media.
You’ll also hear from Women in Media Network creators who reflect on their own podcasts.
Happy International Women’s Day.
Connect with Sarah and the Network Creators:
https://www.womeninmedia.network/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
March 4, 202654 min
Maureen Holloway Returns: Breast Cancer & Taking the Stand for Jenn Valentyne
Maureen Holloway returns to the Women in Media Podcast to update host Sarah Burke on another journey through breast cancer, reflections on her career in Canadian broadcasting, and her involvement in the Jennifer Valentyne human rights tribunal. 'Mo' shares her experiences with workplace harassment, calls out the behaviour of former colleagues, and discusses the importance of supporting women loudly, especially now. Of course, there are many laughs along the way. All in favour of Mo becoming a stand up comic, raise your hand...
More About Maureen Holloway:
Maureen Holloway is a fan favourite on the Toronto radio scene. After longtime stints at CKFM/Mix/Virgin 99.9, Q107, 98.1 CHFI and now Newstalk 1010, Mo is jumping into the podcast world feet first, hosting the Women of Ill Repute podcast with her dear pal Wendy Mesley. Throughout her long and varied career, Mo has received many honours, including the 2009 HOPE Award, the Canadian Association of Broadcaster’s Gold Ribbon Award for Humour, and the 2018 Rosalie Award, honouring women in broadcasting who have blazed new trails. Diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer in 2005, Maureen is an outspoken advocate for women’s health and social issues and is in frequent demand as a lecturer and keynote speaker, where her topics encompass women, humour and wellness. Now cancer-free, she plays golf and piano, both quite badly, and likes to cook, travel, drink wine, and laugh, often all at once.
Follow Women of Ill Repute on Substack:
https://womenofillrepute.substack.com/
Listen to Jennifer Valentyne on the Women in Media Podcast:
https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/women-in-media/jennifer-valentyne-part-one/
https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/women-in-media/jennifer-valentyne-part-two/
Follow Along with Jennifer Valentyne vs. Corus Entertainment:
https://www.chrt-tcdp.gc.ca/en/human-rights/human-rights-public-hearings
Connect with Sarah Burke and Women in Media Network:
https://www.womeninmedia.network/
https://www.instagram.com/wimnetwork
https://www.instagram.com/burketalks
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Maureen Holloway
(03:00) Navigating Cancer: A Personal Journey
(05:51) The Evolution of Body Image and Reconstruction
(08:55) The Emotional Impact of Cancer on Family
(12:02) Reflections on Mortality and Legacy
(14:56) The Shift from Radio to Podcasting
(20:56) Revisiting Radio Memories: A Personal Journey
(22:04) The Human Rights Tribunal: A Call to Testify
(24:54) Support and Solidarity: Standing with Jennifer Valentine
(27:57) Facing the Past: Emotional Recollections in Court
(34:49) The Impact of Trauma: Revisiting Difficult Experiences
(37:51) Accountability in Media
(39:45) Reflections on Relationships: Encountering the Past
(43:58) The Call for Accountability: Acknowledging Past Mistakes
(46:40) Empowering the Next Generation
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