Miranda Newman
Miranda Newman is a journalist, editor, and author. Her debut memoir-in-essays, Rough Magic: Living with Borderline Personality Disorder was an instant national bestseller. Miranda’s award-nominated feature and opinion pieces have appeared in The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, The Walrus, Broadview, and more.
Miranda holds a bachelor of journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly, Ryerson). In 2022, she completed a fellowship at Yale University’s program for recovery and community health and went on to mentor incoming fellows. Miranda speaks regularly on topics related to mental health, psychology, and trauma at events across North America.
Speaking Topics
What does recovery from mental illness look like?
“What are your recovery goals?” This question was posed to Miranda Newman shortly after her third stay in psychiatric intensive care. It was a question that was both simple and daunting. Unlike recovering from physical illness, mental health recovery is harder to conceptualize and rarely linear. Was recovery fewer panic attacks and thoughts of self-destruction? Longer periods between hospitalizations? The ability to return to full-time work?
In this talk, Newman explores the complex and often storied reality of mental health recovery. Informed by her lived experience recovering from borderline personality disorder, an often fatal mental illness typically viewed as untreatable, and her fellowship at Yale University’s program for recovery and community health, Newman examines the best and worst practices in community-based mental health treatment, unpacks social attitudes toward mental illness, and highlights gaps in policy. A talk rooted in hope, Newman reminds audiences that recovery isn’t the sole responsibility of the individual. It takes a village to help a person recover from mental illness.
Supporting mental health in the workplace
Miranda Newman worked herself to the point of hospitalization. Twice. All the evidence of mounting burnout was there: poor sleep, panic attacks, missed deadlines, weight loss, irritability, and extreme emotions. But with no workplace mental health support and fewer coping skills, Newman just kept working until her suicidal urges grew so powerful that inpatient care was her only option.
In today’s fast-paced and high-pressure work environments, mental health challenges are increasingly common. According to the Canadian Psychological Association, at least 500,000 Canadians miss work due to mental illness every week, with an estimated cost of $51 billion annually. Unfortunately, the Canadian Mental Health Association notes that just 36 per cent of employees feel comfortable discussing a mental health concern with a manager.
Supporting mental health in the workplace can improve productivity, employee satisfaction, staff retention, and teamwork. In this talk, Newman offers strategies to foster mental wellness in the workplace. From accommodation, to education, to implementing wellness programs, Newman’s talk will equip audiences with the ability to make a meaningful impact on the mental health of those around them and address mental health concerns before they become crises.
Videos:
- Conversation with co-hosts Melissa Grelo and Cynthia Loyst on CTV’s The Social, May 2024
https://youtu.be/Zu05flHmqsk?feature=shared - Interview with Lindsey Deluce on CTV’s Your Morning, May 2024
https://youtu.be/xnC860oxI4s?feature=shared - Discussion with Tamara Taggart on the Telus Talks podcast, June 2024
https://youtu.be/bOiX-70eMPs?feature=shared
Eliza Reid
Eliza Reid is a bestselling writer, public speaker, gender equality advocate, cofounder of the acclaimed Iceland Writers Retreat and former first lady of Iceland. She was born and raised in Canada but has lived in Iceland for over twenty years. Eliza’s first book, Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World, was an instant bestseller in Canada and Iceland, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Pick, and translated into numerous languages. Her first novel, an Iceland-set mystery called Death of a Diplomat (Death on the Island in the U.S.), will be published in spring 2025.
From 2016 to 2024, Eliza served in the unofficial role of First Lady while her husband was President of Iceland, during which time she acted as patron of numerous organizations and was named a United Nations Special Ambassador for Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals. A memoir of her time in the role is set for publication in 2026.
Passionate about inclusion, belonging, and equality, she wielded her influence through poignant op-eds, a compelling TEDx talk, and dozens of keynote addresses to audiences of hundreds around the world, including presidents and royalty. In addition to public speaking, Eliza Reid is an experienced moderator and has interviewed celebrities, including politicians and other world leaders such as Hillary Rodham Clinton, Ashley Judd and internationally-acclaimed authors Louise Penny and Anthony Horowitz. Her advocacy in the field of gender equality has been praised by U.S. President Joe Biden, Canadian Governor General Mary Simon, and numerous others. She has also received awards from the Better World Fund, Meet in Reykjavík, and the Institute for South Asian Women.
Eliza has degrees from the University of Toronto (Trinity College) and Oxford University (St. Antony’s College). She lives in the outskirts of Reykjavík with her husband and four children.
Eliza’s Speaking topics
- Secrets of the Sprakkar: How to Bring Gender Equality Within Reach, and Why That’s Important for Everyone
Based on Eliza’s bestselling book, Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They are Changing the World, this talk introduces people to Iceland, the country that has come closer than any other to closing the gender gap over the past 15 years. Using Iceland as an example, it covers what works and what remains to be done, from policy approaches such as parental leave for both parents and equal pay legislation, to the value of role models in society. Most importantly, this talk shares the stories of “sprakkar” – an Icelandic word for “extraordinary women” – who are making a difference in their communities by taking up space, using their voices, and serving as role models. This talk inspires us all to make a difference in the world by nudging things in the right direction.
- The Bend in the Road: How to Make the Most of Unexpected Opportunity
Eliza’s memoir of her time as first lady is set for publication in 2026 and this talk is based on much of that content.
Eliza Reid grew up in small-town Canada and met her Icelandic husband, Guðni Jóhannesson, at graduate school in England. When she gave fate a push by contriving to win a date with him in a raffle, she never imagined that spontaneous decision would lead her to becoming First Lady of Iceland almost two decades later, after a whirlwind seven-week campaign on her husband’s first foray into public office.
Incorporating insightful behind-the-scenes moments from life in the world of global leaders; from having tea at the White House with the Bidens, to poignant moments such as attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, navigating volcanic eruptions and living through a global pandemic, this talk examines how Eliza navigated her public but undefined role, and used it to upend expectations about first ladies.
Although it’s entertaining and provides a glimpse into an unusual world, this talk is really about inspiring people to make the most of unexpected opportunities, to be forces for positive change in the world. It’s for everyone who strives to write their own fairytale, and subvert the expectations others might impose on us.
- Storytelling for leadership and change
Everyone has a unique story. Paying attention and harnessing the wisdom of your journey can enhance how you move through the world—the type of organization you run, the children you raise, the people whose lives you’ll impact.
This workshop is designed to help you make sense of your story and sharpen your observation skills to better understand the stories that continue to unfold around you. It will help you to tease out the special details of a life and how to use those details to inspire, inform, and connect with others, putting your story to work to bring out the kind of change you want to create in your company or community.
- General talks in the sphere of travel & sustainability
I have delivered numerous keynote speeches on travel and sustainability at industry events and was named a United Nations Special Ambassador for Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals in 2017. I can adapt speeches to suit a broad range of audiences and explore a variety of topics. Often using Iceland as a case study, I can speak to how travel and tourism are economic drivers in a country; the challenges and opportunities that tourism brings, and how Iceland is a leader in sustainable tourism and has (unusually) a generally positive view of tourism among its local population.
More broadly speaking, travelling and discovering new places and meeting new people has the potential to bridge divides and bring us closer together. I have travelled extensively, much of it solo, and can share some of the stories I have heard and adventures I’ve had on the road, and what that has taught me about communication and cooperation in other facets of life.
Testimonials
“She shared many heartfelt messages, leaving an indelible impression as one of the most empowered, driven, and inspiring women I have ever met.”
—Lilian Atho, CEO and Founder Real Time Global
“I had the great privilege of recently attending a speech by Iceland’s former First Lady, Eliza Reid. She was funny, smart, insightful, and entertaining. She didn’t hit a homerun; she hit a grand slam.”
—Jean Becker, Former Chief of Staff to George H.W. Bush
“Her energy, intelligence and integrity are so inspiring and most of all, I love how real she is. When you think of a First Lady you don’t expect someone to be so warm, unpretentious and personable.”
—Amy Skelding, Managing Partner at Finn Partners Travel
“Ms. Eliza Reid captivated our group of over 100 lawyers and their spouses with her stories of life in Iceland and extraordinary women in Icelandic history, but the best aspect of her presentation was the message that equality in authority and parity in opportunity are possible and within reach. Eliza’s approachable style and comfortable delivery, sprinkled with humor and playful wit, capture and sustain the attention of the audience. She is a delightful, entertaining and empowering keynote speaker for any meeting or conference.”
Steve Quattlebaum, 2023 National President of The American Board of Trial Advocates
Rukhsana Khan
Rukhsana Khan is an award-winning author and storyteller. She was born in Lahore, Pakistan and immigrated to Canada at the age of three.
She grew up bullied in a small town and read books to survive.
She has eighteen award-winning books published and more on the way. In 2013, her book BIG RED LOLLIPOP was chosen by the New York Public Library as one of the 100 greatest children’s books in the last 100 years.
She has appeared on television, radio and been featured at festivals around the world.
She lives in Toronto with her husband and family.
Awards
In addition to the awards her books have won, Rukhsana has been recognized with the following:
- Artist in Library at Fairview Public Library, Toronto Arts Council, 2014
- Writer in Residence, Toronto District School Board 2013
- The Award of Excellence from the Council for the Advancement of Muslim Professionals (CAMP) Toronto chapter, 2008
- The Communication & Leadership Award from the District 60 branch of Toastmasters, 2004
- The Literature Award from the Canadian Islamic Congress, 2004
Rukhsana Khan Speaking Topics
Rukhsana has been a public speaker for more than twenty years and has done several workshops on public speaking. She has an incredible ability to project not only her voice, but her personality. Even when she speaks softly, audiences hang onto every word.
Colonization in Western Literature
The Art of Engaging the Reluctant Student
Developing Strength and Resiliency in our Children
Forget About Projecting Your Voice—Project Your Personality
The Key to Diversity, Inclusion and Equity is to Get Past It
Rebecca Hosey, DC, MS, PA-C
Dr. Rebecca “Becky” Hosey is a licensed chiropractor, physician assistant, speaker, and writer, with degrees from the University at Albany, New York Chiropractic College, and the Le Moyne College Physician Assistant Program. With many years of unique clinical experience, her expertise is in the fields of pain medicine and psychiatry. A life-long learner, Becky has a strong passion for education and has held several academic positions, including Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine.
Becky was diagnosed with Sjögren’s Disease in 2015, and stage four endometriosis in 2021 after years of undiagnosed and severe symptoms. She began sharing her story to inspire others, and is currently writing a memoir documenting her experiences and advocating for patients with chronic illnesses. Becky is a regular speaker in the general public and medical community, and her work is centered around empowering patients to advocate for themselves. In her work with medical professionals, she focuses on the importance of leading with empathy, and on the vulnerability of the patient experience, which can be easily overlooked in the current medical model.
She has appeared on numerous podcasts, news interviews, and has partnered with several autoimmune organizations to share her story. Becky has also been the keynote speaker at various events. She has many published articles, and is a regular blog writer. Becky is the recipient of the 2024 Autoimmune Advocacy Leadership Award (the Autoimmune Association) which was presented during a reception in Washington D.C. She has participated in healthcare reform lobbying while in the Capitol, and during New York State Legislative meetings.
Awards & Honors:
Autoimmune Advocacy and Leadership Award (Autoimmune Association 2024)
Summa Cum Laude Graduate (Le Moyne College 2009)
William G. Allyn Award (“Commemorating Strong Academic Performance, Exemplary Professionalism, Leadership & Community Service” 2008)
Phi Chi Omega National Chiropractic Honor Society Member (2000-2003)
Clinic Class Representative (New York Chiropractic College 2003)
Speaking Topics
Becky’s keynotes can be tailored to medical professionals or the general public.
Medical Ableism
There has never been a more dire time for the reimagining of disease, especially in light of the growing population suffering from chronic illness and disability. With infrequent discussions occurring in medicine and society, Becky educates and empowers audience members on health related prejudices, and how to eliminate these detriments.
Oh, The Medical Humanity…
An engaging presentation for medical professionals and students alike. Audience members join Becky on a journey through her personal medical mystery to ultimate diagnosis, followed by a discussion of medical humanities and the importance of incorporating these concepts into to everyday practice in order to understand the vulnerable patient perspective.
The Stigma of Health Provider Sickness
A rarely discussed and little- known phenomenon of the unique stigma a medical provider experiences when chronically ill. Becky candidly shares her own personal struggles, as well as uncovering the unwritten truth in modern medicine that healthcare providers are expected to remain healthy, or suffer the consequences of failure.
Self-Advocating on Your Health Journey
An informative talk for attendees to learn about the importance of self-advocating while navigating medicine. Audience members will discover that healthcare is a consumer based industry, with no greater service more important than their own well-being. Participants will learn to get the most out of their health visits, and how to become empowered patients.
Sjögren’s Disease: It’s More than Dry Eye & Endometriosis: The Silent Pain.
These individual disease presentations are vital for healthcare providers to learn about two common, but misunderstood conditions. Significant research gaps exist in medicine with respect to women’s health issues, which makes health providers unprepared to properly care for patients. Becky delivers both the patient and provider perspective, as well as essential information that will leave audience members feeling confident and prepared for their next patient encounter.
Connect with Becky on Social Media:
Elisabeth Burks
Elisabeth Burks (she/her) brings over 20 years of experience at the intersection of culture and commerce, driving revenue and relevance for cultural icons like John Legend, global brands like Samsung, and entertainment giants like Sony Music and TIFF. As a visionary strategist, she guides organizations and leaders through the challenges of boardrooms and the marketplace—delivering transformational insights and strategies for leadership, business growth and cultural relevance. As founder and CEO of Known Entity, Elisabeth specializes in creating cultural and commercial strategies that move markets and mindsets. Elisabeth holds an EMBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and the Schulich School of Business, and a B.A. in Media and Cultural Studies from The New School in New York City. A proud mother and wife, she is a sought-after public speaker and moderator and a passionate advocate for youth and social impact.
“Elisabeth’s extensive experience is distinguished as a unique and trusted advisor for top-tier businesses. Her specialized expertise provides a compelling strategic vision on how to harness cultural trends to drive commerce in today’s fragmented market. Her approach, equally strategic and sincere, is both refreshing and inspiring.” —Veronica Gaik, Executive Director, Brand Sales & Partnerships at TikTok Canada
Elisabeth Burks Speaking Topics
As a sought-after speaker and moderator, Elisabeth is equal parts advisor, strategist and motivator. Elisabeth delivers more than just inspiring keynotes—she develops workshops and seminars tailored to help organizations impact culture and the bottom line.
Leveraging Culture as a Competitive Advantage
Learn how to build and sustain cultural capital, transforming relevance into long-term commercial success.
Strategic Workshops on Aligning Purpose with Profit
Interactive sessions that equip teams with strategies for meeting consumer expectations while driving ROI.
Tailored Training on Navigating Emerging Trends
Seminars designed to decode and apply cultural shifts to leadership, branding, and marketing strategies.
Designing Commerce Around Culture
Learn the step-by-step process of connecting cultural movements to product innovation and market leadership.
Building Teams for a Culture-Driven Future
Unpacks how cultural movements and consumer trends are reshaping organizationz and how businesses can stay ahead by aligning their leadership strategies with cultural shifts.
Carli Pierson
Carli Pierson is a multi-lingual opinion columnist and editor at USA TODAY, where she writes on a wide range of topics, including parenting (and imperfect motherhood), feminism and sexual and gender-based violence, law and social justice (and racism in policing), mental health and resilience, history (especially ancient Greece, Rome and Sicily), fashion and lifestyle topics (including cannabis), politics, Mexico-U.S. relations, U.S. law, international human rights law, and the war in Gaza.
Carli is also an experienced moderator and has moderated discussions on abortion rights, WNBA player Brittney Griner’s imprisonment in Russia, qualified immunity and other topics for USA TODAY.
She recently finished a consultancy for the international feminist NGO, Equality Now, on ending sexual violence in Latin America through good laws, with a special focus on rape laws in the Americas (including Canada and the U.S.).
Carli was the first person in the U.S. to receive a BA in Islamic World Studies from DePaul University in 2006, and in 2012, received her Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law Center, cum laude, with a concentration in international law.
In addition to academic publications, Carli’s work as a freelance opinion writer and reporter has appeared in: USA Today special edition publications, Open Democracy, Al Jazeera, PBS, Independent UK, National Catholic Reporter, Parents, Romper, Ravishly, and the Women News Network.
SPEAKER TOPICS
Carli approaches serious topics by helping audiences relax with a self-deprecating sense of humor but deep knowledge and compassionate, deeply thought out takes on big, sometimes controversial, issues of the day. She is a vivid storyteller who engages deeply with her audience and takes a solutions-oriented approach to her writing, moderating, and speaking. Carli is available for keynotes in Spanish and English.
- Sexual and gender-based violence (rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, digital sexual harassment, consent, trauma), gender-based violence (domestic abuse, working with survivors, femicide, parental alienation) from a feminist perspective.
- Parenting and the difficulties of motherhood in today’s digital, “Instagrammable” society, self-compassion, postpartum depression, “late-bloomers,” and drawing on global parenting concepts from other societies that we can draw on to be better to ourselves and our children.
- Writing and editing for non-journalism majors: How to get in, get better, get published, and how to be solutions-oriented.
- Law: U.S. Law (criminal, family, and immigration), international human rights law and international criminal law as it relates to current issues from Russia’s war on Ukraine, global heating and human rights, rape under international law, and other relevant, timely topics.
- Social justice: Racism in policing, gun violence, women’s rights, immigration, the war in Gaza.
- Cannabis: social justice issues surrounding its legalization. Lifestyle and cannabis.
- Politics: Progressive politics and finding humor and areas of agreement across the aisle (can work with conservative audiences on this same issue), political polarization and how it’s hurting our “bottom line.”
- Mental health and resilience: Failure and crisis as a source of opportunity
BROADCAST MEDIA EXPERIENCE
CNNE (IN SPANISH)
MSNBC – ABORTION BANS IN THE U.S.
ABC NEWS – PRESSURE ON MOMS TO BREASTFEED
USA TODAY – POLITICS AND FASHION AT THE MET GALA
RADIO ISLAM
NEWS NATION WITH LEELAND VITTERT – BIDEN PRESIDENCY AND POLLS (STARTING AT 22:21)
SMERCONISH PODCAST – WITH CNN’S MICHAEL SMERCONISH
Sarah Baldeo
Sarah Baldeo is an experienced neuroscientist, technologist, corporate strategist and entrepreneur, closing on 20 years of leadership experience. She holds an Executive MBA via the University of Toronto, a neuroscience degree from York University, and certifications from Princeton, Ryerson, and University of Illinois. Sarah has successfully founded and exited two consulting firms, while helping three companies IPO. A winner of the 2023 Global Business Elites Top 40 Under 40 Awards, Sarah is currently CEO at IDQ Advisory Group, a boutique IT firm founded in 2010. She lives in Miami, but is a proud Torontonian and recurring guest on Canadian National News for CTV, The Social in Toronto, and CTV Morning Live in Edmonton and Winnipeg.
In 2023 alone, Sarah graced more than 50 stages, gave 24 keynotes, was featured on 960AM radio, and was most recently nominated for the DMZ 2024 Women of the Year Award, as well as the Top 25 Women of Influence Award. You may have even seen her on TV during the Wimbledon Open Commercials!
Sarah has delivered keynotes at TED Conferences, ELEVATE Festival, CBC News, Build a Dream, Gaming Security Professionals of Canada, FEM for STEM, GirlStrong, Powerful Women in Cyber, WomenTech Global, Women in Cyber, Women Enterprise Organizations of Canada, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs, University of Calgary Haskayne Business School and guest lecturing at University of Toronto Rotman Business School.
You can see her in action below:
The Neuroscience of Vacations on The Social CTV, Canada
Neuroscience of Resilience: Ballistic Process Interruption TEDxTrinityBellwoods
Media Interviews:
Sarah Baldeo’s Speaking Topics
Sarah’s keynotes focus on demystifying tech, science, and change, and illuminating the intersection between neural resilience, innovation, and change management.
- The Neuroscience of Change
Sarah explores the science behind change; explaining why change is not part of our survival mechanism and what makes it so challenging. Sarah takes the audience on a journey of delving into the mind and the brain; and enables teams with neuroscientific frameworks to enable change, drive innovation, and foster creativity.
- The Next Frontier of AI: Metacognitive Intelligence
An overview of Artificial General intelligence and the current landscape of sentient AI, how it’s tested, the results of tests and where self-aware AI is beginning to evolve. The keynote covers the implications for responsible AI and safety as well as concerns around bias in algorithms
- Quantum Computing
What is Quantum Computing? Some experts claim that it will take decades for quantum computers to be real but in late 2024 a 50-Qubit computer is slated to be released. How will quantum computers change our public key infrastructure, how we store data, and how we encrypt sensitive information. What are the risk mitigation approaches we can take in cybersecurity and fraud prevention
- AI & Deep Fakes
An overview of multi-factor authentication, KYC/AML, digital identity and the changing landscape of fraud and bias in AI as deep fakes becoming easier to create
Solutions to deep fakes and fraud
How to detect when ChatGPT or image generation has been used
- Neurotechnology – The Next Step
An overview of the newest neuro-tech available and how it will impact human relationships, brain damage, rehabilitation and the potential to become part of everyday life with wearables and even memory adjustments
Sharon and Randi
Since the 1970s, Sharon, Lois & Bram have been family-entertainment superstars across North America and beyond. Over the course of their 45-year musical journey, Sharon, Lois & Bram produced dozens of recordings and compilations, as well as three award-winning, best-selling children’s books. Together, the threesome appeared in many of the most prominent venues in the United States, as well as every major concert hall in Canada. They were Goodwill ambassadors, received countless awards, sold millions of albums worldwide and starred in two critically acclaimed television series (The Elephant Show and Skinnamarink TV). They are widely recognized as the most beloved children’s entertainers of all time.
Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison performed as a duo for more than 20 years after Lois Lilienstein stepped away from live performing. The Sharon, Lois & Bram tiktok has made them social media darlings with over 37M+ views and 188,000+ followers.
When Bram retired from touring at the end of 2019, Sharon’s daughter, Randi, joined Sharon as a live performer, and recently produced and sang on the JUNO-nominated album, Sharon & Bram and Friends, as well as writing three picture books for Penguin Random House, Sharon, Lois & Bram’s Skinnamarink, One Elephant Went out to Play, and Peanut Butter and Jelly.
Now Sharon and Randi are continuing to share the music of Sharon, Lois & Bram, performing in both live and virtual settings as A Sharon, Lois & Bram Singalong with Sharon & Randi. Just as Sharon, Lois & Bram brought happiness to four generations of children and their grown-ups, Randi and Sharon are now bringing their own live performances, featuring stories, music, memories, and life lessons, to a new generation of adults and children.
Speaking topics and performances
A Sharon, Lois & Bram Sing Along with Sharon & Randi
This singalong gathering is a real family affair featuring Sharon & Randi, Randi’s son Ethan and her beau, Jim. Singalong highlights include such beloved Sharon, Lois & Bram favorites as “Tingalayo,” “Hey Dum Diddeley Dum,” “She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain,” and, of course, “Skinnamarink. Guaranteed to be a fun, interactive time for children, their families and the young at heart.
Randi and Sharon in the classroom
Randi and Sharon play games, sing songs, teach finger play and make music with classes and children from JK-grade 4.
Behind the Scenes and Life Lessons with Sharon & Randi
Listen in on captivating conversation and stories of tours, TV, parties, and behind-the-scenes peeks. Sharon also shares her personal journey dealing with breast cancer, the loss of her husband, Joe, then partner and friend, Lois. This will be poignant, fun, infused with laughter, inside stories and of course, always singing. This can be an intimate event with a Q&A or a keynote address.
Finding your Child Spirit Workshops for Teachers
Sharon & Randi will delight educators by singing and reading from their three best-selling children’s books, and teaching songs and gameplay to their educator audience. Participants will reconnect with their child spirit by engaging in literary and musical activities they will take back to their classrooms. This will be a fun hour of singing, dancing and laughing, that consequently teaches about memory, food, rhyme, counting, patience, coordination, cooperation and so much more.
Kai Thomas
Kai Thomas is an author and educator. His background and body of work span from land stewardship, carpentry, and small-scale farming to historical research and scholarship.
His debut novel, In the Upper Country, was awarded the 2023 Atwood Gibson Writers’ Trust prize for fiction and was shortlisted for the Governor General’s Award for Fiction and the Amazon Canada First Novel Award. The work has been featured in news outlets such as NPR, CBC, The New York Times, and the Globe and Mail.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Writing from the Land
How can writing cultivate connection with nature? In this workshop, Kai facilitates exercises of storytelling from the land, offers reflections on how land-based work and play can invigorate and inform writing practice, and opens discussions on the role of storytellers in an era of environmental crisis.
Approaching the Novel
Novel writing can be a daunting task. In this presentation, Kai makes it less so by speaking candidly about strategies for managing some of the challenges of the process. From topic-selection and drafting techniques to research approaches, participants will learn and engage with valuable perspectives in the craft of prose fiction.
Story-ing the Past
Stories of our past are a powerful way to understand the present. Through personal storytelling and guided reflection Kai holds space to immerse in and meditate on the narratives that have shaped us.
Other topics or types of workshops, consultations, lectures, readings, or interviews may be developed for a particular group or event.
To book Kai Thomas, contact Rob Firing at rob@transatlanticagency.com
Peg Fong
Peg Fong is a journalist and an educator. She is the Vancouver writer for The Economist Magazine, a journalism instructor at Langara College and a business communications lecturer at the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. The former western bureau chief of The Toronto Star, Peg was also a staff reporter at The Globe and Mail, Vancouver Sun and the CBC. In 2020, she was the creator and host of the podcast Alone Together: A Curious Exploration of Loneliness and the author of the young adult book of the same title published in March 2024 by Orca Books. The Spanish version of the show Juntos en Soledad reached the top 10 of the podcast charts in Mexico in 2023. Japanese and Korean versions of the show will launch in 2024.
Her writing has appeared in the Daily Telegraph, The Sydney Morning Herald, New Zealand Herald, the South China Morning Post and The New Quarterly.
Speaking topics
Loneliness and Curiosity
We are living in lonely times. Loneliness is now a global epidemic. The health risks associated with it have cost billions and have factored in everything from cardiovascular diseases to dementia to depression and anxiety. Our sense of isolation is universally recognized, yet it is an intensely private feeling. We all experience loneliness differently. Still, are there things we can share from being alone together? The biggest lessons we can learn about loneliness are found through curiosity and understanding the way we see ourselves and the world around us.
Students and Resilience
Students today face challenges and distractions that previous generations never did. An increasing number of competing demands on their time and attention can hinder their academic performance. We can’t blame it all on social media. First-generation students have even more unique obstacles and often can’t relate to other students who share the same classroom. Innovative communication and learning techniques can help create communities in the educational environment and bring students together.
Building Social Connections Anywhere at Anytime Through Storytelling
From boardrooms to classrooms, around family dinner tables, and around the world, the communities created by shared experiences bind us to each other. We can all learn to be better business leaders, colleagues and educators when we listen and become a community through the gift we can all give and receive: storytelling. This talk is a workshop with writing prompts and brainstorming ideas to use stories to solve problems, find solutions and build confidence.
Journalism, Communications and Public Interest
Imagine a world without journalism. Ethical journalism and communications have never been more critical in today’s world. We live in a time when truth and objectivity are considered untrustworthy and unattainable. How can we trump cynicism about how journalists and communicators inform and engage with the public? This talk is an interactive and hands-on workshop where small groups break down how trust is earned and maintained.
Selected Media
CBC TV News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Sam Sullivan’s Salon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Apostrophe podcast: https://apostrophepodcasts.ca/
To book Peg Fong, contact Rob Firing at speakers@transatlanticagency.com.