• A Conversation with Actor, Writer & Director, Dave Lafontaine
    Dec 11 2025

    After 20 years in film, television and theatre, Dave has so much insight to share.

    We talk about his roots in community theatre and the impact and necessity of community theatre today.

    We talk about his ongoing work as an Artistic Director and Coach at 102 Actors Lab.

    We talk about the upcoming feature film that he co-wrote, co-produced and co-directed with longtime creative partner, Adam Belanger - set to release in the Spring of 26.

    We talk about what it's like to transition back and forth between his roles as an actor, teacher and director, and he offers some valuable advice for others aspiring to join the industry.

    We talk about all this and so much more! Tune in!

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    ——————————————————--------------------------------Chatter and Laughs podcast © Rima Maamari [2020]. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized redistribution or reproduction of all or part of the contents of Chatter and Laughs, in any form, is strictly prohibited. The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. No representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, are being made regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information, products, or services discussed.

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    36 min
  • A conversation with Co-CEO & Co-Founder of The Thoughtful Co., Sophie Warwick
    Oct 18 2025

    Sophie shares so much of her expertise from her journey with The Thoughtful Co., A company that supports women in negotiating their compensation and advises employers on advancing gender equity.

    We chat about the most common challenges that women face during contract negotiations, the red flags they should be looking for when reviewing contracts, and a few great tips for women who are renegotiating or negotiating a new contract.

    We chat about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, what it actually means, and what a healthy DEI policy looks like.

    We chat about incentives that organisations are underutilising to retain or attract top talent.

    We chat about so much!

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    * Shout out to Pen to Paper Homes for sponsoring this episode!

    If you have a special place that’s meaningful to you or someone else, consider getting it hand-drawn in ink so it can live on forever!

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    ——————————————————--------------------------------Chatter and Laughs podcast © Rima Maamari [2020]. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized redistribution or reproduction of all or part of the contents of Chatter and Laughs, in any form, is strictly prohibited. The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. No representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, are being made regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information, products, or services discussed

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    57 min
  • A Conversation with Strategic Wardrobe Specialist, Shona Cruz
    Sep 12 2025

    Shona Cruz joins me on the podcast this month and shares so much insight on her role as a Strategic Wardrobe Specialist for leaders.

    We dive into so much, including her career journey, the impact of personal style on leadership and why perception matters more than ever.

    We chat about the benefits of chromatic strategy, decision fatigue, common styling mistakes, key pieces for a Professional Women’s Wardrobe, overcoming style anxiety, and so much more!

    Be sure to visit shopwithshona.com and pre-order Shona’s new book - The ICONicTM FrameworkTM which reframes wardrobe as more than fashion — it’s leadership capital.

    In a world where presence shapes perception, this book gives professionals the tools to align their image with their influence.

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    Lastly, I want to send a big shout out to the podcast sponsor this month. Beyond The Classroom is a Canadian based tutoring company. They offer both In-home and online tutoring for students from Grade 1 to 12 on all subjects. I’ve used their services personally for my own kids and have nothing but good things to say! Reach out to rosemarie@beyondtheclassroom.ca for more information.

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    ——————————————————--------------------------------Chatter and Laughs podcast © Rima Maamari [2020]. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized redistribution or reproduction of all or part of the contents of Chatter and Laughs, in any form, is strictly prohibited. The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. No representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, are being made regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suit

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    56 min
  • A conversation with Award-Winning Journalist and Speaker, Farah Nasser
    May 28 2025

    Farah Nasser joins me on the podcast this month. We dive into so much, including her career journey as an award-winning Journalist, what it felt like when she reached the pinnacle of her career and the dangerous rise of misinformation.

    We discuss her TEDx talk on The Power of Intellectual Humility and how it relates to today's news cycle and what's happening in Gaza.

    Farah shares her devastating experience with the stillbirth of one of her twin sons and how she has learned to manage that ongoing grief.

    We chat about so much!

    ——————————————————---------------------------Chatter and Laughs podcast © Rima Maamari [2020]. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized redistribution or reproduction of all or part of the contents of Chatter and Laughs, in any form, is strictly prohibited. The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. No representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, are being made regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information, products, or services discussed.

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    53 min
  • A conversation with Osob, the Founder of Osobelle Tea Co.
    Mar 5 2025

    Osob, the Founder of Osobelle Tea Co. shares her expertise and insight on the topic of tea.

    We chat about so much, including the different types of tea, the health benefits, why climate and region plays a large role in the quality of tea. We talk about the social impact, the longevity, the traditions and the connectiveness that goes along with tea.

    Osob also provides feedback on how to choose a good quality brand of tea and how to brew a good quality cup of tea at home.

    Chatter and Laughs listeners can also enjoy 15% Osobelle Tea until April 8th. Just use the code 'chatter' at the checkout.

    ——————————————————---------------------------Chatter and Laughs podcast © Rima Maamari [2020]. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized redistribution or reproduction of all or part of the contents of Chatter and Laughs, in any form, is strictly prohibited. The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. No representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, are being made regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information, products, or services discussed.


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    1 ora e 27 min
  • A Conversation with Managing Director of Able Africa Safaris, Adaptive Athlete & Rally Driver, Sam Jethwa
    Jan 15 2025

    Sam has worked in the tourist management and hospitality industry for over 20 years.

    He shares a lot of great insights on the industry and what venues should focus on when accommodating guests with disabilities.

    We chat about so many things, including his award from President Obama in 2015, as well as his passion for sports, especially rally driving. One day, Sam hopes to be the first physically challenged person from Africa to compete in the Dakar Rally. An event that lasts 21 days!

    Lastly, Sam provides some great advice to others who may find themselves with a disability and the positive and determined mindset that has driven him over the last 30 years.


    To learn more about his story, you can also check out this short documentary on youtube - bhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsdAv-knV64

    ——————————————————---------------------------Chatter and Laughs podcast © Rima Maamari [2020]. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized redistribution or reproduction of all or part of the contents of Chatter and Laughs, in any form, is strictly prohibited. The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. No representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, are being made regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information, products, or services discussed.

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    1 ora e 22 min
  • A Conversation with Naturopathic Doctor٫ Shivaune Wright
    Apr 19 2024
    Dr. Wright is dedicated to helping women in midlife move from feeling tired, puffy and foggy, to showing up for who and what they love with energy, clarity and confidence. We chat about so much including Perimenopause and Menopause, the challenges that women face, the actions we can take٫ the importance of muscle mass and so much more! ——————————————————-Chatter and Laughs podcast © Rima Maamari [2020]. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized redistribution or reproduction of all or part of the contents of Chatter and Laughs, in any form, is strictly prohibited. The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. No representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, are being made regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information, products, or services discussed.
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    1 ora
  • A conversation with Registered Psychotherapist, Katie Mead
    Dec 31 2023

    I sit down for a chat with Registered Psychotherapist, Katie Mead. She shares her insight and advice on the topic of teens and mental health, a niche that she focuses on within her practice. We cover a wide range of topics, including alarming statistics on mental health among teenagers, the impact of social media, the need for government services and so much more. Katie offers some great tips for both teens and parents on the topic and a positive outlook on how we can move forward. If you are looking for support for your kids or your family, you can reach out to Katie Mead at https://www.meadgestalt.com/——————————————------------------------------Chatter and Laughs podcast © Rima Maamari [2020]. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized redistribution or reproduction of all or part of the contents of Chatter and Laughs, in any form, is strictly prohibited. The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. No representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, are being made regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information, products, or services discussed.


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    44 min