The Smoko Podcast

• Chelsea Barron: Red Seal machinist, BCIT Instructor, and advisor for the National Indigenous Tradeswomen Advisory Circle

  Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week, we’re joined by Chelsea Barron, an Indigenous Two-Spirit Red Seal Machinist, instructor at BCIT, and advocate for representation in the trades.Chelsea shares her remarkable journey from discovering the trades through BCIT’s Women in Trades program, to becoming its first full-time female machinist instructor. Chelsea reflects on her lived experiences navigating male-dominated spaces, staying true to her identity, and creating safer, more inclusive learning environments. We dive into the deep legacy of mentorship and community that shaped her; from her grandmother, a residential school survivor, to her mother, a 60s Scoop survivor and how those stories live on through Chelsea’s work. She also unpacks the connections between Indigenous knowledge systems and apprenticeship learning, reframing the trades as a natural continuation of traditional knowledge passed down through community.From classroom courage to shop-floor leadership, Chelsea speaks honestly about the joys and challenges of the trade, why she believes in building not just machines, but futures, and how joy itself can be an act of resistance.  Mentioned in the Episode:Sugarcane (2024 National Geographic documentary)Keeper of the CircleBCIT Women in TradesRed Seal Certification Chelsea Barron: Instructor, BCIT Advisor, National Indigenous Tradeswomen Advisory Circle Proud Two-Spirit Machinist & Community Mentor Support & Follow Smoko: Brought to you by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear that fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots. www.peggyworkwear.ca

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• Kihana Wilson: The Astro Stud, Astrophysicist, and STEM Communicator

  Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we sit down with astrophysicist, science communicator, and STEM icon Kihana Wilson, known online as The Astro Stud.Kihana shares her incredible journey from a curious 10-year-old discovering a life-changing astronomy book in her school library, to becoming a post-baccalaureate researcher at Argonne National Laboratory. Her research dives deep into theoretical cosmology, large-scale structure, galaxy clustering, and the mysterious realms of dark matter and dark energy. Kihana breaks it all down in a way that even space newbies can understand. We explore the importance of simulations, her work with protoclusters and the James Webb Space Telescope, and why this moment in astronomy is so exciting. But this episode isn’t just about the cosmos, it’s about community, identity, and the power of showing up authentically in spaces that weren’t built with you in mind. Kihana opens up about navigating physics and academia as a Black queer woman, building her own support networks, and why she believes in unapologetic representation. Her platform, The Astro Stud, is more than just science communication; it’s a love letter to her younger self and a rallying cry for others who have felt unseen in STEM. With humor, heart, and a whole lot of insight, Kihana reminds us that science should be for everyone, and that you don’t have to shrink yourself to belong. Kihana Wilson (The Astro Stud): Instagram @theastrostud   Mentioned in the Podcast:James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)Argonne National LaboratoryDESI: Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument Support & Follow Smoko: Brought to you by Peggy Workwear—workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear that fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.www.peggyworkwear.ca

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• Brandy Kawulka: Owner of Tartan Contracting, Host of All Things Renovation Podcast and Journeyman Joiner

  Take a break, we're on Smoko! This week we're joined by Brandy Kawulka, a powerhouse in the trades and a fierce advocate for women in the industry. Brandy shares her journey from studying joinery at BCIT to running her own successful renovation and contracting business: Tartan Contracting. We dive into the realities of working in the trades, the challenges women face, and the importance of transparency and education when dealing with clients.Brandy also opens up about her podcast, All Things Renovation, where she breaks down renovation basics, interviews industry experts, and now, in her latest season, spotlights women in trades to showcase the diverse career paths within the industry. From kitchens and bathrooms to big-picture industry shifts, Brandy is on a mission to educate, empower, and inspire.If you’ve ever thought about getting into trades, managing renovations, or simply love a good story about breaking barriers, this episode is for you.Brandy Kawulka:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-kawulkaTartan Contracting:www.tartancontracting.comAll Things Renovation:www.allthingsrenovation.com 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

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• Lacey Rose & Jess Kaknevicius Co-founders of Women in Wood

  Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by Lacey Rose and Jess Kaknevicius the founders of Women in Wood, a community that champions representation, support, and advocacy for women in the forestry sector. Jess is the CEO of Forest Canada, a national leader in restoration, education, and community engagement. Lacey is a registered forester responsible for the long-term forest management of Renfrew County Forests.Lacey and Jess speak to their journey into the forestry sector, their experience, and current responsibilities. We dive into misconceptions of forestry and the role forest management plays in terms of climate change and sustainability. Lacey and Jess share how their passion for forestry and community building led them to create Women in Wood, a space where women can connect, share stories, and find support in a male-dominated industry. From humble beginnings with a small Facebook group to becoming a global network, Women in Wood has sparked a movement of inclusivity and empowerment.This episode dives deep into the importance of mentorship, representation, and the strength of community. Jess and Lacey talk candidly about their experiences working in the forest, the emotional journey of breaking barriers, and their vision for the future of forestry.  Lacey Rose:www.linkedin.com/in/lacey-rose/ Jess Kaknevicius:www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-kaknevicius-00431525/ Women in Wood:www.womeninwood.cawww.instagram.com/womeninwood/www.facebook.com/groups/342181032648888/ 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 

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• Sophia Malbarosa (Pia Builds): Carpenter, Professor at Humber College, Set Designer & Multi-disciplinary Artist

  Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we sit down with Sophia Malbarosa known online as Pia Builds. Pia is a multidisciplinary artist turned carpenter, professor, and advocate for representation in the trades. Pia’s story begins with her first love: dance. After injuries sidelined her dream of becoming a professional ballerina, she sought new ways to channel her creativity, which led her to discover a passion for carpentry and set design. Pia shares how her time in the carpentry shop reawakened her creative spirit, as she realized that building with her hands held the same artistry and fulfillment as expressing herself through movement. From the first time she picked up a power tool to teaching carpentry at Humber College, Pia’s journey is a testament to the resilience and reinvention needed to thrive in male-dominated spaces. Pia discusses her experiences as a Filipina woman navigating the trades, from facing micro-aggressions in the workplace to finding power in her cultural heritage. She candidly reflects on how embracing her authentic self has not only empowered her but also inspired her students. As a professor, Pia focuses on creating safe, inclusive learning spaces where students feel supported, free to make mistakes, and encouraged to bring their full selves into the workshop. Pia also shares moving stories about her art installations, including a collaborative piece called Weaving Waves. This project blended textiles, steel, and video projections to explore themes of cultural identity, storytelling, and belonging. For Pia, creativity transcends medium—whether she’s in a carpentry shop, a theater, or teaching a class, her passion for storytelling and connection shines through. Whether you're passionate about art, trades, or education, Pia’s episode will inspire you to see the intersections between these worlds and encourage you to embrace the power of your unique story. Pia:www.instagram.com/piabuilds/www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-malbarosa/ 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

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