A Chat with Heart - with Christina Martin

In this episode of A Chat With Heart, host Christina Martin welcomes singer-songwriter Dave Gunning. They chat with heart about the making of Dave's new album 'Field Notes', touring with Stompin' Tom Connors, Dave's illustrated book, and the impact of AI on creativity. The conversation flows through personal stories, Dave's incredible touring experiences, and the importance of community. They also shar...

In this episode of A Chat with Heart, host Christina Martin welcomes her friend Stephanie Purcell to discuss the upcoming Big Shiny Tunes event in Halifax. They share insights about the event's origins, the selection of performers, and the vibrant energy that characterizes the show. Christina also updates listeners on her upcoming performances. It's a great episode to kick off a new season!

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In this episode of Chat with Heart, Christina hangs out with the cast and crew behind her Holiday music video “Sex Drugs and Christmas Time.” They chat about how the video came together, share behind-the-scenes stories, and laugh about the chaos along the way. Mike Hall talks filming and editing, Stephanie Purcell shares the executive producer perspective, and Dale Murray chimes in on the musical side of things. It’s a fun, honest ...

In this episode of A Chat with Heart, Christina reconnects with old friends Meaghan Smith and Jason Mingo for a candid, funny, and deeply human conversation about creativity, health, burnout, and living a beautifully unbalanced life. With questions pulled from a hat, embarrassing stories, and plenty of laughter, the trio explores friendship, artistic freedom, and the magic that happens when we tell the truth and show up for each ot...

In this episode, Christina sits down with friend Laura Simpson — co-founder of Side Door and champion of all things creative and live music — for a wide-ranging, cozy December chat. They chat about evolving relationships with the holidays, the strange comfort of traditions, and how community keeps artists going. Things get delightfully weird as they swap supernatural stories and childhood fears, before digging into the power of art...

In this episode of A Chat with Heart, host Christina Martin welcomes Rebekah Higgs, a creative force behind the DIY Mom brand, who discusses her transition from music to home renovation and content creation. They also discuss the behind-the-scenes realities of the DIY Mom project, the significance of supporting initiatives like Hope for Africa, and Rebekah's creative aspirations. 

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In this episode of A Chat with Heart, Christina chats with the wonderful Mary Janet McDonald - Cape Breton baking legend, storyteller, and all-around gem. They talk about the joy of cooking, the pull of community, and the family traditions that shape us. Mary shares memories of growing up in Cape Breton, the warmth of maritime hospitality, and how her cookbooks honour the grandmothers and recipes that keep our histories alive.

They ...

In this episode of A Chat with Heart, host Christina Martin engages in a heartfelt conversation with comedian James Mullinger. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of being a creative in the entertainment industry, the importance of community support, and the journey of building a career from the ground up. James shares insights from his experiences in comedy, the significance of word-of-mouth marketing, and the joy of creating...

In this episode of A Chat with Heart, host Christina Martin engages in a heartfelt conversation with musician Jordi Comstock. Jordi shares his journey in the music industry, the intersection of skateboarding and music, and the challenges of touring. The discussion also touches on family dynamics in music, memorable gigs, and the evolution of the music industry. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the significance of focus, ...

In this episode of A Chat with Heart, Christina sits down with longtime pal Tom Bedell — radio legend, musician, and one of the kindest souls out there. They talk about his journey in broadcasting, early influences, some of the most memorable interviews he’s done, and how creativity and community keep him going.

Tom opens up about his experience with prostate cancer and how having the right people in your corner can make all the dif...

In this episode of A Chat with Heart, host Christina Martin chats with musician and author Mike Aubé. They explore how to cultivate joy, the state of flow, and mental health and well-being. Mike shares his personal journey through depression and how it has shaped his mission to help others find joy. The discussion also explores the importance of gratitude, the role of mortality in shaping life choices, and the unique offerings of R...

In this episode of A Chat with Heart, host Christina Martin engages in a heartfelt conversation with Layne and Hayley Greene about their journey through IVF. They share their emotional highs and lows, the science behind the IVF process, and the challenges they faced along the way. The couple reflects on their experiences, the support they received, and the joy of finally expecting a child. This episode highlights the importance of ...

In this episode of A Chat with Heart, host Christina Martin engages in a heartfelt conversation with freelance writer and community advocate Lola Augustine Brown. They discuss Lola's journey from England to Truro, Nova Scotia, her impactful work addressing food insecurity in her community, and the creative process behind her writing. The conversation also touches on personal resilience through trauma, the adventures of travel ...

In this episode of A Chat with Heart, host Christina Martin reflects on her relationship with social media, discussing its impact on her life as a DIY artist. She shares her struggles with time management and the addictive nature of social media platforms, while also highlighting the positive aspects of connecting with audiences and creative partners. Christina invites listeners to consider their own social media habits and the imp...

In this episode of A Chat with Heart, host Christina Martin welcomes sound designer and performer Aaron Collier. They discuss the challenges and joys of living in rural communities, the creative process behind live art, and the importance of mental health. Aaron shares insights from his work with Heist, a performance company, and reflects on personal experiences that shape his art. The conversation also touches on the significance ...

In this episode of A Chat with Heart, host Christina Martin engages in a heartfelt conversation with Amanda Shekarchi, a Toronto-based musician and media producer. They explore Amanda's journey as a blind artist, her early musical memories, the unwavering support from her family, and her experiences in the music industry. The discussion explores the significance of disability representation in the arts, the creative process be...

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of A Chat with Heart, host Christina Martin shares the mic—and the road—with her mother Cecile Martin, as they drive the scenic route between Halifax and Ingramport. What begins as a simple car ride becomes a moving conversation about resilience, healing, and the power of support through a breast cancer diagnosis.

Christina’s mom opens up about discovering a lump during a routine self-ex...

In this episode of A Chat with Heart, host Christina Martin reflects on her recent Home Routes tour, sharing stories from the road and the heartwarming connections made along the way.

Christina is joined by special guests Simon and Hannah Stockner, a vibrant sibling duo behind the revitalization of the Kispeox River Lodge in Hazelton, British Columbia. Together, they dive into a heartfelt conversation about community, resilience, an...