Trailblazing Talks with Kate Campbell

Beyond the Pitch: Canada’s World Cup Moment

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Trailblazing Talks, host Kate Campbell sits down with TSN host and producer Camila Gonzalez to explore the powerful intersection of sport, culture, and identity. From her Colombian roots to covering the global game on an international stage, Camila shares her journey into sports media, the inspiration behind Game & Glory, and why the upcoming World Cup could be a defining moment for Canada.

Together, they dive into representation, breaking into mainstream media, and the importance of making sport more accessible—on and off the field. This is a conversation about passion, purpose, and paving the way for the next generation.

Host/Producer: Kate Campbell

Executive Producer: Marina Cordoni

Produced by the Trialblazing Talks Team

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living Authentically, Leading Boldly

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Kristyn Wong-Tam — Member of Provincial Parliament for Toronto Centre and a member of the New Democratic Party — shares their journey from being born in Hong Kong and raised in Toronto to becoming one of the few politicians in Canada to live and lead openly as a queer and non-binary voice in government.

Coming out at just 16, Kristyn has spent a lifetime advocating for 2SLGBTQ+ communities, serving over a decade on Toronto City Council before stepping into provincial leadership. Now a leading voice as Official Opposition critic for 2SLGBTQ+ issues, they speak candidly about identity, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality.

This episode is a moving reminder that authenticity isn’t just personal — it’s leadership.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nan Devitt Tremblay: Inside the Golden Age of Fashion Television

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Trailblazing Talks, host Dini Petty sits down with filmmaker and journalist Nan Devitt Tremblay, the woman behind the scenes in Paris during the golden age of Fashion Television.

Leaving a secure job in Canada to chase a dream in Paris, Nan found herself at the center of a cultural phenomenon—capturing unprecedented backstage access to the world’s most iconic designers, including Karl Lagerfeld, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Yves Saint Laurent. What began as an experimental idea quickly became a global sensation, helping define the era of the supermodel and bringing fashion into living rooms around the world.

Nan reflects on the raw, unfiltered energy of early fashion media, the evolution of the industry, and the environmental reckoning facing fashion today. She also shares stories from her documentary Carte d’Invitation, her continued creative work, and her perspective on aging, reinvention, and staying fearless at every stage of life.

A vibrant, intimate conversation about art, access, legacy—and why it’s never too late to go for it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zoe Dirse: The Female Gaze Behind the Camera

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Trailblazing Talks, host Dini Petty sits down with award-winning cinematographer Zoe Dirse, President of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers.

Zoe reflects on her groundbreaking career—from becoming one of the first two women to join the camera union IATSE in 1979 to shooting documentaries around the world for the National Film Board of Canada. With over 70 projects to her credit, she shares how storytelling through the lens can spark real social change, including films that influenced legislation and amplified women’s voices globally.

The conversation explores the evolving role of women behind the camera, the concept of the “female gaze,” and the resilience required to succeed in a male-dominated industry. Zoe also offers powerful advice to emerging filmmakers on mentorship, confidence, and staying creatively relevant in an ever-changing technological landscape.

A thoughtful and inspiring conversation about storytelling, representation, and the power of seeing the world differently.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada's Secret Shame

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Listener Advisory: This conversation includes sensitive topics such as abuse and human trafficking. Please take care while listening.

In this powerful episode of Trailblazing Talks, Dini Petty sits down with human rights advocate Kelly Tallon Franklin — a survivor of abuse and trafficking who has dedicated her life to protecting vulnerable women and girls. Founder of Courage for Freedom and newly appointed United Nations representative, Kelly shares the realities of human trafficking in Canada, the warning signs young people need to know, and the urgent work being done to prevent exploitation. This is a deeply moving conversation about resilience, justice, and the courage to transform pain into purpose.

Episode credits:

Host - Dini Petty

Producers - Kate Campbell, Reeth Mazumder Roberts and Marina Cordoni

Director - Kate Campbell

Cinematography - Karin Litah

1st AC - Sid Suresh

Gaffer - Han Liu

Swing - Kushi Nayak

Sound - Lauren Neeson

PA - Leslie Hoppenrath

Makeup - Bridgette Hogan

Consulting Producer - Martha Wilson

Consulting Producer - Ken MacDonald

A big thank you to the Hart House University of Toronto, and to Rick Palidwor, Kennedy Koa and Hart House Film Board.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mandy Goodhandy – Just Call Me Lady

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Performer, author, and activist Mandy Goodhandy (Amanda Taylor) shares her deeply personal and illuminating story about identity, survival, and self-acceptance.

Born in Scotland and raised between two worlds, Mandy shares what it was like growing up feeling like a girl in a boy’s body — navigating fear, isolation, performance, and ultimately, awakening. From theatre and drag performance to sex work and finally embracing life as a trans woman, Mandy speaks candidly about the long journey toward living authentically.

Episode Credits:

Created & Directed by Kate Campbell

Produced by Marina Cordoni and Kate Campbell

Hosted by Dini Petty

Cinematography by Michael Jari Davidson

Makeup by Bridgette Hogan

Production Assistant - Maureen Pimento

Dini's wardrobe by Brian Bailey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gail Harvey - Capturing Legends & Telling Stories

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:00:00 GMT

This episode of Trailblazing Talks features multi-award-winning photographer and director Gail Harvey — a true pioneer whose extraordinary career spans iconic photojournalism and celebrated film and television direction. Gail reflects on her early days capturing some of the most memorable images of Terry Fox during the Marathon of Hope, her transition from still photography to filmmaking, and how that unique visual grounding informs her powerful storytelling on screen. From award-winning TV movies to acclaimed feature films and series, Gail shares the creative journey that shaped her into one of Canada’s most respected visual artists.

Episode Credits:

Created & Directed by Kate Campbell

Produced by Marina Cordoni and Kate Campbell

Hosted by Dini Petty

Cinematography by Michael Jari Davidson

Makeup by Bridgette Hogan

Production Assistant - Maureen Pimento

Dini's wardrobe by Brian Bailey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marianne Williamson - Midlife Awakening

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Trailblazing Talks is an intimate conversation platform spotlighting pioneers, visionaries, and cultural leaders across industries.

At its heart, the show explores what it truly means to lead — through reinvention, resilience, and personal awakening. Guests speak candidly about the turning points that shaped them, the failures that refined them, and the inner conviction that carried them forward.

From legacy voices redefining ageing and visibility to contemporary changemakers shaping culture today, Trailblazing Talks is a space for courage, consciousness, and stories that inspire evolution.

Episode Credits:

Created & Directed by Kate Campbell

Produced by Marina Cordoni and Kate Campbell

Hosted by Dini Petty

Cinematography by Michael Jari Davidson

Makeup by Bridgette Hogan

Production Assistant - Maureen Pimento

Dini's wardrobe by Brian Bailey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.