A Chat with Heart - with Christina Martin

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...

In this episode of A Chat with Heart, Christina Martin shares personal stories and updates, reflecting on the arrival of spring in Nova Scotia, her tree planting rituals, and the inspiring journey of her friend living with cancer. She recounts humorous adventures with her cat Olivia, announces upcoming shows and a new live album, and expresses gratitude for listener engagement and heartfelt messages. The episode concludes with refl...

In this episode of 'A Chat with Heart', host Christina Martin engages in a heartfelt conversation with Michelynn Touesnard, who shares her journey of living with stage four colorectal cancer. The discussion delves into personal experiences with cancer, the importance of advocacy, and the emotional and relational impacts of a cancer diagnosis. Michelin reflects on her career, the challenges of navigating the healthcare sys...

Have you ever set an ambitious goal only to fall completely short? In this heartfelt season premiere, I'm taking a different approach by sharing both my triumphs and failures from the past year. From the exhilaration of recording my Storm album live with a full band and string quartet to the quiet joy of watching my 77-year-old mother courageously complete her cancer treatments, life has offered much to celebrate.

But...

Christina chats with the incredibly talented and hard working British-Canadian comedian James Mullinger about following your dreams, work ethic, orchestrating outside-the-box events, carving your own path and so much more. 

James Mullinger, originally one of the UK’s hardest working comedians and Comedy Editor for GQ magazine, moved to New Brunswick (the province I grew up in), Canada in 2014 and has since become a sensation across ...

Christina sits down with Lisa MacIsaac for a chat about making room for what you love, surviving a plethora of bad jokes, meeting your heroes, and chasing your dreams. You don't want to miss this one!

Lisa MacIsaac, hailing from Creignish, Cape Breton, is one half of the acclaimed duo Madison Violet, alongside Brenley MacEachern. Known for their evocative harmonies and distinctive sound, the duo has released eleven a...

In this episode Christina chats with Rankin MacInnis about growing up in Mabou, Cape Breton, meeting Dolly Parton, and you’ll never guess what Rankin is addicted to.

Music Nova Scotia's Entertainer of the Year, Rankin MacInnis, is known for his super fun, electrifying and eclectic performances. Leading the charge with his band, the Broken Reeds, Rankin seamlessly blends traditional folk with future pop, delivering high-energy s...