This is the end.
There is no more track left for What She Said on traditional radio. After eight incredible years of broadcasting on 105.9 The Region—five of those under my stewardship—the show’s chapter on FM radio is closing. This decision wasn’t made lightly, but the reality is that circumstances have changed, and it’s time for What She Said to evolve. The landscape for local radio and news is uncertain as we all know and I have been existing in limbo, neither fully in radio or fully in podcasting for some time.
What She Said has been a lifeline for so many, myself included. When Kate Wheeler and Christine Bentley first brought the show to life in 2011, they were already legends in Canadian news—two former anchors facing down ageism and choosing to create something new. They carved out a place on air to give Canadian women a voice. Sadly, ageism hasn’t changed much, but What She Said has stayed true, a place where women can be heard, seen, and celebrated. Until now, it held the title as the longest-running women’s talk show on Canadian radio. I am beyond proud to have been part of that achievement.
In January 2020, after being the travel expert for 3 years, I took on ownership of What She Said, and I am endlessly grateful to Kate and Christine for trusting me with their baby. Of course, when you take over anything in life it’s natural to want to put your stamp on it. I was eager to build on their foundation and create something fiercely, unapologetically feminist. For me, that meant being selective with the voices I platformed. Not because I don’t think there are good voices amongst men, but because men have hundreds of spaces on Canadian radio where they nudge out women because of implicit or explicit bias. Until today, women had one. I feel the weight of that. What She Said has been a space my guests and you the listeners deserved—an environment free from rage bait, one where real stories, knowledge, and inspiration took centre stage.
For me, What She Said has never been about creating outrage to get listeners. It’s about connecting with people who are looking to learn, to understand, and to expand their view of the world. I also very rarely said no to women who approached me to be guests. If you’re brave enough to put yourself out there, you deserve your moment in the sun.
During the pandemic, my commitment was tested in every way. I no longer had a studio to record in, and had to learn in real time about sound, editing audio, booking guests, creating video, promotion, and sales. Money and sponsorships dried up immediately, as it did for many during the pandemic. For a time, I funded the show out of my retirement savings, fuelled by a belief that this platform was needed more than ever. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: you can’t be what you can’t see. I wanted What She Said to offer women a chance to see other women doing real, inspiring things in their communities and around the world. Canadian women deserve to know there are strong, real women, peers and neighbours, out there making a difference, and What She Said was one small way to remind them of that.
The early days of the pandemic brought a unique sense of intimacy to the show. I would jump online with incredible women who, despite their puffy eyes and the sounds of family life in the background, showed up to share their knowledge and resilience. They were navigating the same chaos we all were. And yet, the moment I hit record, they gave it their all, pulling together their thoughts and sharing with the same professionalism as if we were in a studio. I was honoured to share these moments, capturing the strength and vulnerability of women from all walks of life. Even just writing this brings tears to my eyes. These raw moments changed me.
Running What She Said has been no small feat. For nearly four years, I averaged six interviews a week, constantly on the chase to bring listeners voices they needed to hear. It’s only been this year that I started to scale back, giving space for longer interviews so I could dive deeper into some of the bigger issues we’re all dealing with today. And then, while trekking across Cape Breton—a trip that brought me deep personal renewal—I quietly decided What She Said would need to move on from radio. I felt a sense of peace.
I’d be lying to you now though if I didn’t admit I’m also terrified, struggling with feelings of self-worth and value, and wondering what work will fulfill me the same. I need to be real about that because I don’t want to diminish the very feelings you may have, with some lie about how “I got this.” Trust me when I say that I vascillate from the highest highs to lowest lows from hour to hour right now. But I have been through some serious personal struggles these past few years, some made public and others still held tenderly in a vault, while I struggle to fully comprehend the lesson. If there’s one thing I know for sure though, it’s that being kind to yourself in periods of turmoil is key to survival.
So, What She Said may no longer have an FM frequency, but I still own the show, the name, the website, and every interview. Though I’m moving on from traditional radio, this journey is far from over. John Mielke, with his online station Blast The Radio, has given me a place to call home indefinitely, and I’m grateful for his dedication and help all these years. And yes, What She Said will continue on podcast.
I’m also beyond grateful to have had Anne Brodie by my side. Since 2014, Anne has been a steadfast contributor, never failing to bring you a weekly column with reviews of the week’s best entertainment. She’s a constant in this unpredictable world, and she’s been here for you as much as she’s been here for me. Going forward, Anne will remain a part of What She Said, with the freedom to craft her role as she sees fit. Her columns will keep you entertained, and her YouTube videos will continue bringing you face-to-face with TV and movie stars.
As for me, I’m going to take a break. A real one? Nah, I don’t know what that looks like anymore. I am, however, going to open up some conversations I’ve had shelved, run my first keynote in February in Utopia, Ontario of all places, consider new ventures I haven’t had time to embrace beyond wild “what if” conversations with friends and my dogs, hopefully hear from people who want to work with me, and take a long, deep breath So….
This is the end. And the beginning.
P.S. As I move forward, I’m keeping an open mind to new opportunities and collaborations. I bring experience in writing, interviewing, brand partnerships, public speaking, and connecting people and ideas. My passion for storytelling, social justice, women’s rights, and travel continues to drive me. If you’re looking for someone to collaborate with or feel I might be a fit for your next project, let’s talk. I’m excited to see what the future holds and would love to hear from you. And if you’ve come this far, please take a moment to subscribe now to What She Said on podcast!
