The Safety Debris Podcast with Tanya Steele and Richard Dulong

What if safety could be fun, relatable, and impactful for everyone—even kids?  On this episode of Safety Debris, we talk with Christian Fournier, a Health and Safety Professional with 17+ years of experience, CRSP and CHSC certified, and an HSPC Board Director. But what really makes Christian stand out is his big heart and creative approach to teaching safety.  From building life-changing safety programs to writing playful children’s books featuring Safety Dog, Christian shares how he’s making a lasting impact on workplaces, families, and future generations.  Whether you’re passionate about safety, parenting, or just love hearing a good story of someone following their passion, this episode is for you. Tune in and feel inspired!

Curious about what a Marine-dad-safety-geek-listening-to-cool-tunes does when he’s not on stage? Get ready for a fun surprise! Today, we’re excited to chat with a keynote speaker who wowed us at recent health and safety conferences and penned the motivational book "Core of Four." He’s joining us from sunny Mesa, Arizona! Curious about Tim’s transition from Marine to motivational speaker & CEO? Discover how his travels and military background shape his safety expertise and top strengths. Don’t miss out!

Don’t miss this episode with a 40-year safety veteran who’s as entertaining as he is wise! You’ll get awesome tips on workplace mental health, and if you’re a GenX’er or Baby Boomer, brace yourself for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. With a resume that boasts Past President of the Retail Safety Societies, Criminal Justice Instructor, and First Aid Instructor, his expertise is top-notch. You might even spot him from his volunteer work at the Western Conference on Safety in Vancouver! But here’s the real kicker—his name has led to some seriously funny mix-ups and stories that’ll have you in stitches. From a comically speeding ticket tale to finding flowers and chocolates on his hotel pillow, his life is one delightful surprise after another. Curious about Laurie’s sharp wit and wisdom? Join hosts Tanya Steele and Richard Dulong for this unforgettable episode—tune in now and enjoy the laughs!

Ever wondered what kind of music an emotional intelligence expert grooves to? Join us on today’s episode of Safety Debris with our amazing guest, Carolyn Stern! Get ready for a fun and lively chat with this globetrotting EI expert and award-winning author. We’ll talk about why so many people struggle to manage their emotions, the surprising impact this has on careers and businesses, and how you can master your own emotional reactions. Tune in for insights, laughter, and a whole lot of fun only here on Safety Debris!

Next up is our esteemed special guest—a seasoned senior engineer and forensic expert boasting an impressive 29-year career spanning chemical process engineering and firefighting. But behind of all these smarts and education, what does he enjoys listening to, musically speaking? We also couldn't resist asking: amidst decades of investigations, any strange tales or bizarre findings to share? And what exactly defines a fire expert? What unique insights does our guest believe set apart those who truly master their field? All these exciting revelations only here on Safety Debris Podcast

So, what does someone have on their playlist who doesn’t listen to music? Our next special guest is Gabe Guetta, the CEO and Founder of Salus, a Canadian Safety Management Software company, and a very special friend of ours. In this episode, we'll find out if it's true that he didn't own a laptop when he started the company and how he managed to grow his fast-paced business. Plus, he'll share invaluable advice for those just starting out. Discover all these exciting revelations only here on the Safety Debris Podcast.

Ever feel like the traditional classroom just isn't cutting it for you? Well, brace yourself for an inspiring tale straight from Langdon, Alberta! Picture this: a young dreamer, once a dropout by ninth grade, now a powerhouse in the world of consultancy and OH&S training. What ignited her journey? It all began with a superintendent who sparked a fire within her, setting her on a path she never imagined possible. Curious to uncover the secrets behind her incredible journey? Listen to her story and discover how she defied the odds to build her own thriving company from the ground up. Trust us, you won't want to miss this!

Ever wondered about the musical tastes of someone hailing from southern roots, with ties to Wyoming and a stint in Vancouver during the '90s? How do they navigate the construction industry with a fervent commitment to safety? Clad in boots, a hardhat, and a bright high-vis vest, Matt champions workplace safety while ascending to the role of Field Superintendent. But here's a tantalizing question: What motivated him to defend the construction industry with comments like "The construction industry is not comprised of dimwitted dinosaurs"?

Ever wondered about a CEO's journey from public practice accounting to overseeing a non-profit looks like? What about the songs they listen to during their spare time?  Join us today as we unravel the journey of our special guest who holds a CPA designation, a former CFO, and spearheaded a multi-million apprenticeship program—all without a high school diploma. But did he ever graduate? And could he be eyeing Mount Everest next? Plus, a fun twist: Was he ever a roadie for the Eagles in the '90s? Tune in now! Also available on YouTube.

Our next special guest has over 17 years of experience in people and leadership roles, including a decade as the head of People and Culture for North America at a global engineering consultancy, specializes in scaling organizations for growth and fostering vibrant company cultures. Through her firm, Thriveworks, she helps leaders and teams achieve meaningful growth and transformation. She'll discuss the crucial role of leadership in empowering and valuing women in construction, as well as strategies for attracting, empowering, and retaining female talent in the industry. Learn more about Polina Kouzmina.

Introducing our next special guest, a genuine Vancouverite, executive business coach, and lifelong adventurer. From conquering mountains to embarking on epic 12,000 km journeys, our guest's zest for adventure is boundless. But there's more! With experience in civil infrastructure projects and ownership in the Civil & Energy Sectors, he's now committed to guiding entrepreneurs and business leaders toward their aspirations. Join us as we learn more about Chris Hardwick.

Our special guest Jeannine Martin brings over 25 years of experience in construction and engineering. With extensive industry knowledge and a strong business background, she's well-connected. Tune in as we discover just how connected she is, and learn about her role in advocating for business growth and fostering connections among its 750 members not to mention, as the President of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association or VRCA.

Join us for an insightful journey into workplace health and safety with a recognized leader in the field. Aimee Arsenault is the founder of the top-tier consulting firm Transmit Safety, she brings 15 years of expertise, emphasizing the dynamic nature of diverse industries.

Get ready for an insightful episode as we welcome our next podcast guest—an organizational maestro with over 30 years of orchestrating triumphs within teams of 5 to 200. With a knack for steering projects from $100K to $10M, and a remarkable 1400+ hours invested in presenting and training, our guest dives into diverse subjects like leadership, safety, addiction, and teamwork. Beyond accomplishments, they've pioneered the creation of healthy workplaces, consistently delivering results that surpass expectations. Join us for a captivating conversation with this seasoned leader, as we unravel the secrets to their extraordinary success!

On this new episode, we welcome and interview a powerhouse on both the stage and factory floor. With decades of experience in manufacturing and innovation, she guides technical minds to unleash their human potential, fostering problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. From breakfast cereals to automotive paint, she has transformed industries with her expertise. Meet Emily Nichols.

Get ready to listen to one of the most riveting stories you'll ever hear! Our guest has defied the odds in a way that is truly miraculous. Imagine, a heart-lung transplant recipient who then races across the finish line of not one, but FOUR marathons! As an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, author, and coach, he has transformed adversity into a masterclass of resilience and determination. Tune in to witness a journey that redefines limits and champions the human spirit. This is an episode you won't soon forget!

From being a CPA to spearheading a global software initiative, explore the fascinating journey of a leader who’s passionate about connecting safety professionals to resources.  Dive into this blend of tech, tradition, and tunes with Scott Cuthbert.

Join us in this episode as we host an addictions therapist with a unique perspective. Once an opioid addict herself, she's now 36 years sober and uses her personal experience to guide her groundbreaking 'Family Addiction Counselling and Therapy Program'. She firmly believes in healing not just the addict, but the entire family. From the depths of her own struggle to her inspiring triumphs, our guest is a shining testament to resilience and transformation. Tune in for this powerful discussion on addiction, recovery, and family healing.

Our esteemed guest, residing in Langley, BC, is a seasoned professional in the H&S field with over 10 years of experience. She was recognized as a "Top Woman in Safety" for 2023, she serves as the Director of Safety for Venturis Capital Corporation, overseeing multiple forklift dealerships across Canada and the U.S. Additionally, she chairs the Fraser Valley CSSE chapter and actively volunteers in the safety community. Her focus revolves around continuous improvement, simplifying safety practices through mentoring in her workplace and the wider H&S industry.

Join us as we introduce our special guest from East Vancouver, BC, who is reshaping the trades industry despite not being an H&S professional. She is fiercely carving her own path, addressing the overlooked needs of a segment within the tradesperson workforce. Since 2014, our guest has been a vocal opponent of the "pink it & shrink it" approach to women's personal protective equipment (PPE). As the owner and CEO of a women's safety coverall and design supply business, she advocates passionately for PPE standards that cater specifically to women. Through personal experiences of prejudice, discomfort, and inconvenience while working as an engineer in remote locations with ill-fitting PPE, she has made it her mission to change the prevailing unease and embarrassment associated with such circumstances. Prepare to be inspired as we delve into her remarkable journey, witnessing the impact she is making in empowering women's safety.