Feeling intimidated by money? You’re not alone. Today, we’re talking with Melissa Leong, a financial expert, author, and media personality who’s on a mission to help people talk about money without fear, judgment, or shame. Melissa breaks down complex financial conversations, challenges outdated ideas, and shows us that financial confidence isn’t about perfection – it’s about understanding your choices and owning them.

Feeling intimidated by money? You&rsquo;re not alone. Today, we&rsquo;re talking with Melissa Leong, a financial expert, author, and media personality who&rsquo;s on a mission to help people talk about money without fear, judgment, or shame. Melissa breaks down complex financial conversations, challenges outdated ideas, and shows us that financial confidence isn&rsquo;t about perfection &ndash; it&rsquo;s about understanding your choices and owning them.

The Honest Talk is a Canadian podcast for women who are looking for more––out of themselves, out of their businesses and elected leaders, and out of the world around them. Join hosts Jennifer Stewart and Catherine Clark, as they interview North America’s most influential and inspiring women. Their guests are famous TV hosts and journalists, entrepreneurs and business leaders, and politicians. They break down silos so women can connect through shared stories, experiences and also our differences.

The Honest Talk is a Canadian podcast for women who are looking for more&ndash;&ndash;out of themselves, out of their businesses and elected leaders, and out of the world around them. Join hosts Jennifer Stewart and Catherine Clark, as they interview North America&rsquo;s most influential and inspiring women. Their guests are famous TV hosts and journalists, entrepreneurs and business leaders, and politicians. They break down silos so women can connect through shared stories, experiences and also our differences.

The Honest Talk

Melissa Leong’s no-shame guide to starting fresh financially in 2026

Four-time Olympic gold medallist Jayna Hefford has spent her career changing the game. Now, as executive vice-president of hockey operations for the PWHL, she’s helping build a future where women’s hockey has the audience, recognition and opportunities it deserves.

In this episode, Jayna reflects on the people who shaped her as an athlete, the challenges of building a professional league from the ground up, and the moments that made her realize just how much the game was changing.

She also shares the advice that helped her push through doubt, why women’s hockey deserves to be judged on its own merits, and what it means to create something the next generation of girls can grow up believing is possible.

Four-time Olympic gold medallist Jayna Hefford has spent her career changing the game. Now, as executive vice-president of hockey operations for the PWHL, she&rsquo;s helping build a future where women&rsquo;s hockey has the audience, recognition and opportunities it deserves.
In this episode, Jayna reflects on the people who shaped her as an athlete, the challenges of building a professional league from the ground up, and the moments that made her realize just how much the game was changing.
She also shares the advice that helped her push through doubt, why women&rsquo;s hockey deserves to be judged on its own merits, and what it means to create something the next generation of girls can grow up believing is possible.

Jayna Hefford is breaking the ice for women’s professional hockey 

It's easy to put pressure on ourselves to do well at work, show up for our families and still find time for the people and things we love. But life doesn't always go to plan, and sometimes our idea of success has to change along the way.

On this episode of The Honest Talk, we're joined by Amy Childs, Vice President, Small Business & Partnerships at RBC. Amy shares how she found her way into financial services, the people who opened doors for her, and why she's learned to be a little less hard on herself as her career and family life have evolved.

We talk about motherhood, setting boundaries, paying it forward and figuring out what works for you in the season of life you're in, without feeling like you have to get everything right.

It's easy to put pressure on ourselves to do well at work, show up for our families and still find time for the people and things we love. But life doesn't always go to plan, and sometimes our idea of success has to change along the way.
On this episode of The Honest Talk, we're joined by Amy Childs, Vice President, Small Business &amp; Partnerships at RBC. Amy shares how she found her way into financial services, the people who opened doors for her, and why she's learned to be a little less hard on herself as her career and family life have evolved.
We talk about motherhood, setting boundaries, paying it forward and figuring out what works for you in the season of life you're in, without feeling like you have to get everything right.

Amy Childs is finding her own definition of success

Women running for elected office is an important conversation. But what about the women who wield political power without ever appearing on a ballot?

Katie Telford spent nearly a decade at the centre of Canadian politics as chief of staff to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, helping steer the government through election victories, cabinet changes, a global pandemic and economic uncertainty. Now, looking back on those years, she’s reflecting on leadership, public service, growing political polarization and what it means to navigate power as a woman.

Jen and Catherine sit down with Telford to talk about life behind the scenes of the highest levels of government, the pressures of political leadership and what a decade in the thick of it taught her.

Women running for elected office is an important conversation. But what about the women who wield political power without ever appearing on a ballot?
Katie Telford spent nearly a decade at the centre of Canadian politics as chief of staff to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, helping steer the government through election victories, cabinet changes, a global pandemic and economic uncertainty. Now, looking back on those years, she&rsquo;s reflecting on leadership, public service, growing political polarization and what it means to navigate power as a woman.
Jen and Catherine sit down with Telford to talk about life behind the scenes of the highest levels of government, the pressures of political leadership and what a decade in the thick of it taught her.

Melissa Leong’s no-shame guide to starting fresh financially in 2026

In 1 playlist(s)

The Honest Talk

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips