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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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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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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February 18, 202628 min
Sarah Adams: The Parents Uncharted Mission
Sarah Burke interviews Sarah Adams known as Mom.Uncharted online, and the host of a new podcast called Parents Uncharted. They discuss the impact of social media and technology on parenting, and the importance of digital privacy for children. Adams shares her insights on navigating screen time, the challenges of parenting in the digital age, and the evolution of her content creation approach. The conversation also touches on censorship, online safety, and the future of parenting discussions in the podcasting space.
Connect with Sarah Adams:
https://momuncharted.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mom.uncharted/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mom.uncharted
Follow The Podcast:
http://parentsuncharted.com/
https://www.instagram.com/parents.uncharted/
https://www.tiktok.com/@parents.uncharted
Follow the trial with Nicky Petrossi:
https://www.scrolling2death.com/heat
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 Parents Uncharted
(02:00) The Journey to Podcasting
(04:55) The Impact of Social Media on Parenting
(09:50) Navigating Privacy and Digital Footprints
(14:55) The Evolution of Content Creation
(20:06) Screen Time and Digital Autonomy
(24:56) Censorship and Online Safety
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
February 4, 202634 min
Snowboarder Juliette Pelchat on Her Olympic Debut with Team Canada
Host Sarah Burke interviews Juliette Pelchat, a rising star in snowboarding and a first-time Olympic competitor for Team Canada. Juliette shares her journey leading up to the 2026 Winter Games, discussing her mental and physical preparation, the challenges she's faced, and her evolving mindset towards competition. She also reflects on her family dynamics, particularly her relationship with her father, snowboarding legend JF Pelchat, and his support navigating sponsorship opportunities and negotiating. She also talks about her sister Amalia and how together, they launched the Wild Kittens initiative to encourage women to get involved in board sports.
Links:
www.realwildkittens.com
https://www.instagram.com/jubespelchat/
https://www.tiktok.com/@jubespelchat
Connect with Sarah and Women in Media Network:
https://www.womeninmedia.network/
https://www.instagram.com/wimnetwork
https://www.instagram.com/burketalks
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Juliette Pelchat
(03:03) Journey to the Olympics
(06:00) Mindset and Routine for Success
(08:58) Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence
(12:01) Sibling Rivalry and Support
(14:55) The Wild Kittens Initiative
(17:54) Community and the Future of Board Sports
(20:16) Empowering Young Girls in Skateboarding
(22:41) Navigating Sponsorships and Business
(26:23) Mentorship and Future Aspirations
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
January 21, 202650 min
Angela Stever: Conquering the Divide Between Life and Radio
*Disclaimer* This episode features a discussion about sexual trauma. Listener discretion is advised.*
In Sarah Burke's first new episode of 2026, she welcomes friend and broadcast colleague Angela Stever. She shares her journey into comedy and writing, releasing a young adult fantasy novel titled Conquering the Divide: The Legend of Barsicon. They discuss Angela's journey from radio to writing, the challenges of self-promotion, and the personal experiences that shaped her storytelling. The conversation also touches on the creative process, the influence of other authors, and the importance of personal growth and healing after leaving a long-term career and traumatic experience in media.
More About Angela Stever and her work:
Angela Stever is a creative force both on and off the stage. The mother of two started performing stand-up comedy in 2013 during her 20-year radio and television career in Kingston, Ontario. Her comedy has been described as raw, real and relatable. Stever is a Yoga teacher, voice-over actor and an author. She published a Young Adult Fantasy novel in 2021, Conquering the Divide: The Legend of Barsicon. When she's not writing, you can find her knitting or drumming with her band, HAG.
LINKS:
https://www.angelastever.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@angela.stever
https://www.instagram.com/ange.stever
See Angela's band HAG at the Broom Factory on January 25th:
https://ticketscene.ca/events/57308/
Angela Stever Opening for Mark Forward at the Kingston Canadian Film Festival February 27th:
https://ticketscene.ca/events/57685/
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Background
(02:30) The Journey to Writing and Promotion
(05:12) Exploring the World of Barsecon
(09:37) The Creative Process and Writing Discipline
(14:08) Influences and Inspirations
(20:56) Reinventing After Radio: Personal Growth and Healing
(23:07) The Impact of Disability on Life Choices
(25:48) A Personal Story of Trauma and Resilience
(29:28) The Struggle for Justice in the Workplace
(33:34) Healing Through Yoga and Self-Discovery
(38:46) Finding Humor in Adversity
(43:25) Empowering Others Through Storytelling
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
November 25, 202533 min
Megan Edwards & Amy Chabot: The Bridges Burned Podcast
Host Sarah Burke welcomes Megan Edwards and Amy Chabot, former broadcasters turned podcasters, to discuss their podcast, Bridges Burned. They explore themes of authenticity, the challenges faced by women in media, and the importance of sharing personal stories to empower others. They explore the impact of toxic work environments, and the significance of creating a safe space for storytelling.
More About the Hosts:
Amy Chabot spent over 15 years in radio, fueled by her love of music and storytelling. After more than a decade behind the studio mic, she traded it for a podcast microphone to co create Bridges Burned—a space where we speak openly about the challenges women endure and the strength it takes to rise from them. With honesty and heart, Amy and Megan bring real stories to light and give women a voice in moments that are often kept quiet.
Megan Edwards has worked in radio and tv, is an author, a podcast host, and an outspoken advocate for women navigating the often messy realities of the broadcast industry. As the co-creator and co-host of Bridges Burned, she encourages guests to explore sexism and power dynamics in media and beyond. When she’s not behind a microphone, Megan is a wedding officiant and is the founder of The Megan Method, a productivity and organization brand supporting neurodivergent humans who want structure without shame. She believes in truth-telling and burning the right bridges… and rebuilding the ones that actually deserve to exist.
https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/bridges-burned/
https://www.instagram.com/bridgesburnedpod/
https://www.instagram.com/itsmeganedwards/
https://www.instagram.com/amychabot/
Connect with Sarah and Women in Media Network:
https://www.womeninmedia.network/
https://www.instagram.com/wimnetwork
https://www.instagram.com/burketalks
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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