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's in Plant Biology and Conservation, shares her journey from neuroscience and botany to becoming a cannabis professional. Her work in product development and cultivation standards has given her a unique perspective on the science and business of cannabis.

Katherine discusses the intricacies of the cannabis plant, including the importance of genetic development, phenotypes, and terpenes. She explains the process of pheno-hunting, which involves selecting the best plants based on their visible traits, and how this process is crucial for developing new cannabis strains. Katherine also touches on the challenges of ensuring quality and consistency in large-scale cannabis production, from controlling environmental conditions to managing pests and diseases.

The conversation also covers the misconceptions surrounding cannabis use and cultivation. Katherine debunks the stereotype of the "lazy stoner" and highlights the professionalism and expertise required in the cannabis industry. She also discusses the impact of federal scheduling of cannabis in the U.S., comparing it to other substances and emphasizing the need for reevaluation.

Katherine offers insights into the future of cannabis regulation and the potential effects of federal legalization. She explains how current state-by-state regulations create challenges for cannabis companies and how federal legalization could change the landscape of the industry. Additionally, Katherine touches on the potential for other scheduled substances, like psilocybin, to follow a similar path toward acceptance and regulation.

Whether you're a cannabis enthusiast, a professional in the field, or simply curious about the industry, this episode provides a deep dive into the scientific, regulatory, and practical aspects of cannabis cultivation and product development. Tune in to learn more about the fascinating world of cannabis from an expert who is passionate about plants and their potential benefits.

Dr. Katherine Andrews:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-andrews-27a990b8/

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: 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.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

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 of marine nitrogen and its critical role in the global carbon cycle and climate change.

We discuss Dr. Robinson's fascinating journey of discovering her passion for oceanography, starting from her unexpected shift from biology to geology and leading to her love for marine science. We explore the complexities of the marine nitrogen cycle, explaining how nitrogen is transformed and moved through the ocean, its impact on ecosystems, and its connection to the global carbon cycle and climate change. Dr. Robinson shares her extensive fieldwork experiences and adventures on marine expeditions, including her memorable and challenging "best worst cruise ever" in the Southern Ocean.

The conversation also touches on the importance of scientific ocean drilling, the benefits of a globally oriented science program, and the uncertain future of this vital research post-JR. Additionally, they discuss the need for cultural shifts in fieldwork to make it more equitable and accessible, highlighting the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments for all scientists.

Whether you're a seasoned scientist or just curious about the mysteries of the ocean, this episode is packed with insights and stories that highlight the incredible work being done to better understand our planet. Tune in, take a break, and join us on Smoko!

Dr. Becky Robinson:
https://web.uri.edu/gso/meet/rebecca-s-robinson/

IODP (International Ocean Discovery Program) & The Joides Resolution:
https://iodp.tamu.edu/

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: 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.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

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 her to a master's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Her transition from the arts to safety management offers a refreshing perspective on the field, showcasing the diverse backgrounds that can contribute to safety practices.

Allison, co-hosts of the Illusion of Safety podcast, shares her passion for safety and the pivotal role it plays in workplace environments. She discusses the importance of transforming safety from a mere compliance task into a more engaging and holistic practice. By integrating creativity into safety management, Allison aims to make safety practices more relatable and effective.

Join us as we delve into common misconceptions about safety professionals, addressing the stereotypes and emphasizing the critical impact of their work. Allison highlights the importance of community and support for women in safety, sharing her experiences and insights on fostering a more inclusive environment in this field.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the historical significance of safety regulations, the challenges faced by safety professionals, and the rewarding aspects of ensuring a safe workplace. Allison's unique perspective, combining creativity with safety management, provides a thought-provoking and inspiring discussion.

Tune in to learn more about the essential yet often misunderstood field of safety management, and to be inspired by Allison Short's innovative approach to making workplaces safer for everyone.

Allison Short:
www.linkedin.com/in/allisonshortcsp

Illusion of Safety:
https://open.spotify.com/show/37xMyWknyN91A7Jk2qyGLQ?si=b7EgxvVCTvyqzjlWDMtTpw&nd=1&dlsi=5f06440c6c3b4a5a

www.linkedin.com/company/illusion-of-safety-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: 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.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

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 and Geological Science Engineering, Dr. Jamieson has made significant contributions to environmental geochemistry.

Dr. Jamieson shares her fascinating journey into geology, inspired by her early experiences working with pioneering women geologists. She discusses her research on the mineralogical controls on the mobility of metals and metalloids, particularly arsenic, in mine waste, highlighting its crucial impact on public health and environmental protection.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Jamieson delves into the importance of fieldwork in her career and the evolution of environmental science from a "girly science" to a respected and vital field. She also reflects on her role as a mentor, offering insights into what makes a good mentor and the rewarding and challenging aspects of guiding graduate students.

Tune in to hear about Dr. Jamieson's inspiring career, her contributions to mining reclamation and environmental geochemistry, and her thoughts on the evolving field of environmental science. This episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiring stories that you won't want to miss. Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Heather Jamieson on the Smoko Podcast.

More about Dr. Jamieson & her research:
https://www.queensu.ca/geol/dr-heather-jamieson

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: 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.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

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 engaging and educational conversation about physics, the universe, community, and mentorship.

Katarina Hein dives into the world of medical physics, where she studies the mathematics behind medical imaging technologies such as MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound. She shares her journey into biomedical physics, sparked by her interest in combining biology and physics, and talks about her exciting internship in Germany where she worked with cutting-edge event-based sensors. These sensors operate differently from traditional frame-based cameras, offering new ways to analyze visual data in medical contexts.

Becca Mann takes us on a journey through the cosmos with her work in astrophysics. Specializing in observational astrophysics, Becca studies neutron stars, the dense remnants of supernova explosions. She explains the lifecycle of stars, from their formation to their potential end as black holes, white dwarfs, or neutron stars. Becca also delves into the concept of the heat death of the universe and the role of Hawking radiation in black hole evaporation, offering listeners a glimpse into some of the most profound questions about the universe's future.

Beyond their scientific endeavors, Katarina and Becca discuss their roles as executive members of the Organization of Physics Undergraduate Students (Opus) at the University of Manitoba. They talk about the importance of community outreach and the challenges and triumphs of being women in STEM fields.

This episode is packed with fascinating insights and thought-provoking discussions, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in physics, the universe, and the inspiring stories of women in science. Join us for a mind-expanding conversation that bridges the gap between the microscopic and the cosmic.

OPUS:
https://opus-uofm.github.io/web/

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: 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.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

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.

Learn about engineering outreach and youth engagement at Geering Up, and Kaylin's role in fostering a passion for STEM among children and youth. From a background in developmental psychology and neuroscience to her pivotal role at Geering Up. Kaylin reflects on her educational path, emphasizing how her early interest in psychology eventually intersected with her passion for engineering education, particularly through hands-on learning experiences.

We explore Geering Up's innovative programs, designed to introduce children to STEM fields through engaging activities like summer camps, workshops, and outreach initiatives in rural and indigenous communities across British Columbia. We talk on the transformative power of experiential learning and community engagement in shaping the future of STEM. And explore the broader implications of Geering Up's work in addressing the underrepresentation of marginalized groups in STEM fields, advocating for inclusive spaces where all youth can thrive.

Tune in to this inspiring episode of Smoko as Alexis and Kaylin celebrate the intersection of passion, education, and community impact in the world of STEM.

UBC Geering Up:
https://geeringup.apsc.ubc.ca/

Geering Up Summer Camps:
https://geeringup.apsc.ubc.ca/camps/in-person-camps/

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: 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.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

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, Navigating Systemic Change held this past May in Victoria, British Columbia.

Caroline Mekodom, is a certified engineering technologist specializing in biomedical instrumentation engineering. Caroline's journey began in Cameroon, where her childhood curiosity with electronics sparked her path into engineering, despite cultural norms discouraging women from such fields. After immigrating to Canada and facing significant barriers due to gender, immigrant status, and racial background, Caroline persisted with resilience.

Currently a senior customer support engineer Caroline supports medical laboratories specializing in genetic screening instruments for reproductive health. Her role involves installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, ensuring these critical instruments operate effectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Caroline's essential role in healthcare was highlighted, underscoring her impact on public health behind the scenes.

Caroline is actively involved in mentorship, advocating for women and immigrants in STEM through organizations like ASET. She emphasizes mentorship as crucial for rising together and encourages others to pursue their dreams despite systemic challenges. Caroline's story exemplifies perseverance, leadership, and the importance of representation in technical fields.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-mekodom-782a6064/

CCWESTT:

CCWESTT focuses on advancing gender equity in science, engineering, trades, and technology (SETT) fields across Canada. Their mission is rooted in addressing systemic barriers and fostering inclusive environments through collaboration, advocacy, and strategic initiatives.

https://ccwestt-ccfsimt.org/

Charting a Course, Navigating Systemic Change:

CCWESTT conducted a comprehensive gap analysis to identify barriers to gender equity in SETT fields in Canada. Themes of this year’s conference stem from those strategic priorities and findings. These themes include 1) Systems Change for Gender Equity, 2) Building Strategic Partnerships, 3) Inclusive Leadership and Accountability, and 4) Best Practices and Innovation.

By addressing these themes, CCWESTT aims to inspire action, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change towards achieving gender equity in SETT fields across Canada.

Gap Analysis Key Findings:

1. Systems Change Approach: involving all stakeholders—governments, employers, organizations, and institutions—to achieve gender equity in SETT. This approach emphasizes scaling out, up, and deep to address systemic issues comprehensively.

2. Scaling Out: shifting the focus from "fixing women" to transforming unwelcoming SETT cultures. Solutions include educating and engaging male allies, decolonizing SETT fields, and promoting intersectional approaches to knowledge production.

3. Scaling Up: Addressing the lack of legal obligations and accountability through strategic planning and legislative frameworks. CCWESTT recommends working with governments at all levels to establish legal frameworks and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for equity, diversity, and inclusion.

4. Scaling Deep: Moving beyond performative actions to meaningful change by learning from lived experiences, supporting effective programs like mentorship and Equity Resource Groups (ERGs), and recognizing that equity work should not rely on unpaid labor.

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear:
www.peggyworkwear.ca

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 skilled carpenter. She opens up about the pivotal moment that led her to trade school and the challenges she faced, including discovering her ADHD and navigating the impact of COVID-19 on her career and family life.

Cate discusses the importance of mentorship in her new career, the supportive role of her husband, and the joy she finds in being a tradesperson and a mom. She recounts the struggles and triumphs of balancing a demanding job with parenthood and how her husband's unwavering support played a crucial role in her success. Cate also highlights the transformative power of community and mentorship in the trades, sharing how her carpentry teacher and boss have been instrumental in her development.

From learning the intricacies of carpentry, like building stairs, to embracing the challenges of using new tools, Cate’s story is one of resilience, passion, and empowerment. She talks about the misconceptions she had about the trades, the surprising camaraderie she found among her colleagues, and the satisfaction of creating something tangible with her hands. Cate's journey is a testament to the power of taking bold steps, even when the path is uncertain.

Join us for an episode filled with candid conversations about career changes, the realities of working in trades, and the fulfillment that comes from following one's true calling.

Cate McLellan:
www.instagram.com/carpenter_cate

www.tiktok.com/@carpenter.cate?_t=8hBAhSQmBEL&_r=1

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: 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.

www.peggyworkwear.ca