410 episodes
- Jann welcomes back high school friend Holly Fortier to delve into the complex history of Indigenous peoples in Canada ahead of September 30th, focusing on the impact of residential schools, the legacy of the Indian Act, and the ongoing journey towards truth and reconciliation. Holly shares her personal connection to these issues through the lens of her mother's experience in a residential school.
Holly also speaks about her work in the film industry, her passion for storytelling, and the importance of Indigenous representation in the arts. She also discusses the significance of teaching Indigenous history to children, and the need for self-care and recognition of Indigenous excellence.
More About Holly Fortier:
Holly is Cree/Dene from Ft. McKay First Nation, Alberta, was born in Treaty 7 Territory and was fortunate to be raised by cultural leaders, academics and activists. She owns a business that specializes in the development and delivery of Indigenous Awareness Training. She has been delivering trainings across Canada since 2007 to thousands and thousands of participants from government, corporate clients, educators, service organizations and first responders.
Her passion for sharing Indigenous history and culture rises out of her mother's inspirational survival from a childhood in Indian Residential School, a story of courage, resilience and eventual triumph. Holly’s presentations go beyond facts and statistics to insightful personal testimony delivered in a compassionate, non-judgmental way. Those who attend her trainings describe them as “life changing” where they learn things they have never heard before and see complicated cultural issues with new perspective.
Holly’s Recommended Links:
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality By Bob Joseph
https://link.amazon/B01iEyYeB
kinanâskomitin (Thank you in Cree)
~Holly Fortier~
www.nistoconsulting.com
www.twocanoesmedia.com
https://twocanoesmedia.com/a-mothers-voice/
https://vimeo.com/1077758553/d8f1b7aa59?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
Support is available during Truth and Reconciliation Week. If you require support, please contact the 24-Hour Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.
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Proudly produced by Women in Media Network:
https://www.womeninmedia.network/
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Indigenous Stories
(03:07) The Impact of Residential Schools
(05:46) Understanding Traditional Territories
(09:02) The Historical Context of Indigenous Relations
(12:01) The Legacy of the Indian Act
(15:00) Apologies and Healing
(17:55) Cultural Genocide and Its Effects
(21:08) The Importance of Truth and Reconciliation
(23:48) The Role of Arts in Indigenous Advocacy
(26:59) Looking Forward: Hope and Change
(32:12) The Journey into Film and Storytelling
(37:22) Indigenous Representation in the Arts
(41:08) Teaching Indigenous History to Children
49:06 Self-Care and Indigenous Excellence
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices - Jann Arden invites friend and politician Janis Irwin to discuss the current political landscape in Alberta. They discuss the rise of misinformation, the importance of empathy in political discourse, and the need for civic engagement, especially regarding Alberta separatism.
More About Janis Irwin:
Janis Irwin was first elected to the Alberta Legislature as the NDP MLA for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood in 2019, and was re-elected in 2023. Janis currently serves as the Shadow Minister for Housing.
Prior to being elected, Janis worked for Alberta Education as the Executive Director for High School Curriculum. She started her career in education as a high school teacher and vice principal in rural Alberta.
Janis holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Alberta and a master’s degree from the University of Calgary. Janis loves being outside and spending time with her cats Oregano and Basil.
Links from Janis:
For Alberta, For Canada – resources from the Alberta NDP: https://foralbertaforcanada.ca/
Our Voice, Our Vote – Treaty 6’s stance on the referendum: https://www.treatysix.org/referendum
Alberta’s Voice – overview of the referendum:
https://albertasvoice.ca/
Know the Nine – breaks down the nine questions:
https://knowthenine.ca/
Forever Canadian – all about Question 10, staying in Canada:
https://www.forever-canadian.ca/en
Alberta NDP: Janis IrwinAlberta NDP Caucus: Janis Irwin MLA profileLegislative Assembly of Alberta: Current MLAs
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction and Context of Alberta's Political Landscape
(04:47) Conversations with Constituents: Empathy and Understanding
(10:21) The Role of Misinformation and Fear in Politics
(14:46) The Importance of Voting and Civic Engagement
(20:04) Financial Insecurity and Its Impact on Political Ideology
(24:52) The Need for a Vision in Politics
(30:01) Community, Support, and Self-Care in Politics
#ASKJANN - tell us what song you want to hear about next! Or, want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website.
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Proudly produced by Women in Media Network:
https://www.womeninmedia.network/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices - On this sentimental September afternoon, Jann reflects on her song Ode to a Friend off her record Happy?, released on September 23, 1997 - 30 years ago next year! The song was released as a single in 1998 and received important recognition for the writing in Jann’s 1998 JUNO nomination for Songwriter of the Year.
Jann reflects on her experiences in the studio letting some tears flow, the special guest drummer from the Traveling Wilbury's, and the bittersweet nature of friendships, and the impact of music on our lives.
Jann also cited this Sting song...have a listen and let us know what you think!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLVq0IAzh1A
#ASKJANN - tell us what song you want to hear about next! Or, want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website.
Leave us a voicenote!
www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/
Get access to bonus content and more on Patreon:
www.patreon.com/JannArdenPod
Connect with us:
www.jannardenpod.com
www.instagram.com/jannardenpod
www.facebook.com/jannardenpod
Proudly produced by Women in Media Network:
https://www.womeninmedia.network/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices - This week, Jann welcomes the legendary Canadian blues guitarist Colin James. They discuss Colin's journey in writing his memoir Playing the Changes, reflecting on his childhood, family dynamics, and the early days of his music career. Colin shares the pivotal moments that shaped his life and career. He also reflects on growing up with the music industry and what it’s like to have a career as a musician for four decades!
More about Colin James:
Colin James OBC is one of Canada’s most beloved musicians. With twenty-one studio albums, eight Juno Awards, thirty-one Maple Blues Awards and multi-platinum sales, he continues to gain legions of fans around the world with each new record release and his sold-out tours. He’s attained seven gold-certified albums during his career, including four platinum albums and two double platinum albums.
Over the years Colin has worked with some of music’s most revered artists, including Bonnie Raitt, Albert Collins, Pops Staples, Robert Cray, Albert King, Keith Richards and Buddy Guy, to name but a few.
In 2013, he was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame and in 2024 was appointed to the Order of British Columbia for his contribution to shaping Canadian music.
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/780383/playing-the-changes-by-colin-james/9781039013261
https://www.indigo.ca/products/playing-the-changes-a-musicians-memoir
https://link.amazon/B0ayagqjf
Get Tickets to Gatsby Redux at Harboufront Centre:
Jann and Sarah mentioned Gatsby Redux at Harbourfront Centre, an immersive outdoor performance that reimagines F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literary masterpiece through dance September 27th & 28th.
Gatsby Redux
#ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website.
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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices - Jann revisits the conversation we had with media powerhouses Laura Brown and Kristina O'Neill back in November 2025. They discuss their book, 'All the Cool Girls Get Fired.' Their discussion revolves around the challenges women face in the workplace, particularly the stigma associated with being fired. They share personal stories about their career setbacks and reframe failure as an opportunity for growth. The conversation highlights the emotional impact of job loss, the significance of community support, and the need for women to own their narratives and embrace new opportunities. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that setbacks can lead to new beginnings and that women are not alone in their struggles. They remind us all about the importance of self-worth, closure, and the power of experience.
Laura Brown is the founder of LB Media, and the chair of (RED)’s Creative Council. She sits on the boards of (RED), The Fashion Trust US, and me too. Movement, and Foot Soldiers Park, Selma. Previously, she was editor-in-chief ofInStyle, executive editor of Harper’s Bazaar, and senior editor at W. She earned her BA in arts and communication from Charles Sturt University in New South Wales, Australia. She lives in Manhattan with her husband.
Kristina O’Neill is head of Sotheby’s Media and editor in chief of Sotheby’s Magazine. Previously, she served as editor in chief of WSJ. Magazine, executive editor at Harper’s Bazaar, and worked at New York magazine and Time Out New York. O’Neill also serves on the board of Swedish fashion brand Toteme and is a City Meals ambassador. A graduate of NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, she serves on the Gallatin Alumni Council. O’Neill lives in Brooklyn with her family.
https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/All-the-Cool-Girls-Get-Fired/Laura-Brown/9781668067451
Check out their new podcast here.
Jann, Caitlin & Sarah take some time to debrief on the Toronto Blue Jays epic World Series run and Jann reminds us about the power of forgiveness as she spends a few minutes paying tribute to her former manager Neil, reflecting on the significance of mending relationships before it’s too late.
#ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website.
Leave us a voicenote!
www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/
Get access to bonus content and more on Patreon:
www.patreon.com/JannArdenPod
Connect with us:
www.jannardenpod.com
www.instagram.com/jannardenpod
www.facebook.com/jannardenpod
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to the Powerhouses
(03:02) The Catalyst for Writing the Book
(05:57) Navigating the Aftermath of Being Fired
(08:49) Understanding Personal Value and Job Loss
(12:00) Opportunities Arising from Setbacks
(14:57) Reframing Work and Identity
(18:03) Ageism and Career Transitions
(21:04) The Parallel Between Work and Personal Relationships
(22:05) The Tequila Soaked Goodbye Bash
(24:02) The Importance of Closure in Layoffs
(25:58) Dealing with Anger and Revenge
(27:26) Removing Shame from Job Loss
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About The Jann Arden Podcast
THE JANN ARDEN PODCAST is a weekly show hosted by multi-talented Canadian icon Jann Arden alongside Caitlin Green and Sarah Burke. The self-titled podcast discusses the challenges, triumphs, and tribulations of everyday life. Every week, you can expect a relatable experience that explores what makes all humans authentically themselves with a variety of special guests including musicians, actors, politicians, writers, and athletes. New episodes publish every Friday!
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