Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We’re honoured to sit down with Aria Joughin, the founder of Make With, a queer-owned learning center dedicated to equipping individuals—especially women, queer, trans, and BIPOC folks—with essential hands-on skills in home maintenance, repair, emergency preparedness, and self-sufficiency. Aria shares the story behind the creation of Make With, born from a moment of reflection amid the chaos of climate instability, economic uncertainty, and a world grappling with rapid change.

Aria dives into their mission of creating an inclusive and supportive space where anyone can learn practical skills, build confidence, and adapt to our ever-shifting reality. With a focus on collective resilience, Aria explains how teaching pragmatic, problem-solving abilities isn't just about fixing things—it's about instilling a sense of capability, independence, and empowerment that spills over into every aspect of life.

Throughout the conversation, Aria reflects on the importance of adaptability, the power of vulnerability in leadership, and how community-building begins with honest conversations and mutual support. She shares insights into the barriers marginalized communities face when it comes to accessing these skills and how Make With is breaking down those barriers one workshop at a time.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainability, community resilience, and creating inclusive spaces where learning and growth go hand in hand. Tune in to hear how Aria is not only teaching people to use tools but also empowering them to build stronger, more connected communities—one skill at a time.

Aria Joughin:

www.linkedin.com/in/aria-joughin-46a38b33/

Make With:

www.makewithpdx.com

www.instagram.com/makewithpdx

Workshops:

www.makewithpdx.com/workshops

Women/Queer/BIPOC Service Provider Directory: www.directory.makewithpdx.com/directory

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by Rosa and Mathilde, co-presidents of the Student Association for Geography, Geomatics, and the Environment (SAGE). Together, they share their passion for environmental science, their leadership journeys, and the transformative impact of building a thriving student community focused on sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Mathilde reflects on her research in environmental restoration, studying carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels across reclaimed aggregate and gravel pits in Southern Ontario​. She shares her love for fieldwork, the challenges of balancing research with leadership, and the thrill of discovery that comes with hands-on science. Meanwhile, Rosa discusses her passion for environmental entrepreneurship, inspired by companies tackling climate adaptation through innovative technologies​. She envisions a future where research and business intersect to create sustainable solutions for global environmental challenges.

They dives deep into their leadership roles at SAGE, highlighting key initiatives like the Unite Behind the Science journal club—a space for students to explore environmental research topics, build public speaking confidence, and foster cross-disciplinary discussions​. Rosa and Mathilde candidly share their personal growth stories—how stepping into leadership roles pushed them out of their comfort zones, helped them discover their strengths, and taught them the value of balancing visionary ideas with realistic execution​. From the challenges of student engagement to the joy of seeing peers light up at successful events, they reveal the highs and lows of leading a community-driven organization.

This episode is a celebration of youth leadership, the power of grassroots initiatives, and the incredible impact of students passionate about environmental change. Join us for an engaging conversation about research, leadership, and the importance of building bridges between environmental science, business, and community action.

Mathilde Tremblay:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathilde-trem/

Rosa Fragomeni:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosa-fragomeni-390806232/

Student Association for Geography and Environment (SAGE):

https://www.linkedin.com/company/utmsage/

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We’re joined by the multi-talented Lindsay Reynolds, the founding president of Hancock & MacArthur, and the host of the She Wears Work Boots podcast​.

From her early days studying civil engineering to finding her passion on active construction sites, Lindsay shares candid reflections on overcoming the fear of failure, discovering her love for project management, and ultimately taking the step to start her own business as an owner’s representative construction project manager​.

Fueled by her experiences and a deep desire to foster connection and representation, Lindsay launched She Wears Work Boots, a podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices of women in construction. Lindsay dives into the power of storytelling, the importance of community, and the ongoing challenges women face in male-dominated spaces​.

Lindsay discusses the enigma of women in construction—the complex, sometimes frustrating, and often deeply rewarding journey of navigating gender biases and cultural shifts within the industry​. She highlights the importance of creating spaces where men can engage meaningfully in conversations about equity and representation. Join us for an unforgettable conversation about breaking barriers, building bridges, and the transformative power of storytelling in the trades.

Lindsay Reynolds:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-reynolds-392b1649/

She Wears Work Boots:

https://www.instagram.com/shewearswb/

https://open.spotify.com/show/6FofefQsxdwwhIJKMpOYxk

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.

www.peggyworkwear.ca