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What's Your Safe Word?

What's Your Safe Word?

By WomenatthecentrE

Declarations of Resistance

Join co-hosts Nneka MacGregor and Shelleena Hackett in this bi-weekly podcast brought to you by WomenatthecentrE. Each week, Nneka and Shelleena lead a critical discussion, highlighting many topics that intersect with the work WomenatthecentrE is doing to eradicate gender-based violence. They are not afraid to tackle difficult conversations, and fearlessly lead discussions with special guests, drink wine while breaking down the newest seasons of your Netflix faves, and invite you to join in on the round table discussions with the entire WomenatthecentrE team.
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25 - Visualize What You Want Your Life to Look Like w/ AMY SYED

What's Your Safe Word?Jul 08, 2020

00:00
01:25:10
25 - Visualize What You Want Your Life to Look Like w/ AMY SYED

25 - Visualize What You Want Your Life to Look Like w/ AMY SYED

~~

*Update*

Thank you so much to everyone for listening to the first season of What’s Your Safe Word: Declarations of Resistance! 

Episode 25 - Visualize What You Want Your Life to Look Like w/ Amy Syed will be our finale episode for Season 1. We would like to thank her, as well as all of our previous guests, for coming on our show and sharing their knowledge with us! As always, if you have any questions, please email us at podcast@womenatthecentre.com and thank you again for all of your support.

With love,

Shelleena, Nneka, and Amanda

~~

This week we are thrilled to welcome another very special guest to the @WYSWpodcast, AMY SYED (@amy.syed)! Amy is the Founder and CEO of FindyourHCP.com (@findyourhcp) and 15minutesaday.ca. She is a serial entrepreneur and activist in the realm of women and children's rights. Amy is a survivor of intimate partner violence, terminal cancer and host of her own podcast: Calm After the Storm: Survivorship and other stories (@calmafterthestormpodcast). She has spent her life's work teaching others how to empower themselves to live their best life and uses technology to get them there. She is an innovator and a believer in hope for the future of our world spreading optimism to inspire change. After our weekly check-in, we sit down (via Zoom) with Amy to talk about the ways which children are often impacted by male-perpetuated violence, and how the violence is often shifted towards children as a means to hurt their mothers. This is an extremely heavy topic, but Amy shares her vast knowledge with us and also shares some incredibly useful tips for survivors currently navigating legal systems.

This week we’re drinking Pieropan Soave Classico 2018, Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon, Niagara Cider Company: Rose Gold Berry Soaked Cider, and Twisted Tea Peach. We gave these drinks a buzz rating of 5/5, 4/5, 4.8/5, and 5/5 respectively.

Youtube videos mentioned during our check-in: https://tinyurl.com/gsq9ffq & https://tinyurl.com/yacdjv29

Become a Patron! http://tiny.cc/bhjuez

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Jul 08, 202001:25:10
24 - Don’t Be Afraid of It - Embrace It w/ ANURADHA DUGAL

24 - Don’t Be Afraid of It - Embrace It w/ ANURADHA DUGAL

We are so excited to welcome another very special guest to the @WYSWpodcast today, ANURADHA DUGAL! Anuradha is the Senior Director of Community Initiatives & Policy at the Canadian Women’s Foundation. She is committed to not-for-profit work for social justice and has been engaged in many roles in the sector - management, fundraising, events, convening, public education and direct program delivery. As well as being a fierce advocate for all who identify as women and girls, she is the mother to three boys who she is raising to be feminists. And she still finds time occasionally to enjoy gardening, knitting, and swimming! After our weekly check-in, we were thrilled to lead a conversation with Anuradha surrounding what it means to be a racialized woman, and how this identity has shifted for her throughout her life. We also chat with her about how she is raising her sons, and what it means for her to raise white men.

This week we’re drinking Pascual Toso Chardonnay, Sandbanks Riesling-Gewürztraminer VQA, and Anuradha’s Smoothie w/ Bacardi. We gave these drinks a buzz rating of 3/5, 4.5/5, and 3.5/5 respectively.

Become a Patron! http://tiny.cc/bhjuez

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatthecentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Jun 24, 202001:29:53
23 - What Does Justice Look Like to You? w/ SHIRLEY BROEKSTRA (Transformative Justice Part 3)

23 - What Does Justice Look Like to You? w/ SHIRLEY BROEKSTRA (Transformative Justice Part 3)

This week we are so excited to bring you the final episode of our Transformative Accountability and Justice Initiative series! Once again, we welcome SHIRLEY BROEKSTRA to chat with us about our experiences conducting research on finding  an alternative model of justice, and what our findings were. The team shares how the survivors involved in our research truly impacted us all, and the importance of reading the declarations within our final report. Shelleena, Nneka, and Shirley then also teased some of our findings, but we strongly encourage, and ask, you to read our entire final report, which can be found here: https://www.womenatthecentre.com/wp-content/uploads/Declarations-of-Truth-Final-Report.pdf

But first, we opened with our check-in a little differently this week. Given the recent rise in anti-Black racism within both the United States and Canada, and the global uprising in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, our podcast format shifted a bit this week. Understanding the importance of amplifying Black voices (while also being critical of white silence, and the violence this causes) Shelleena stepped aside this week to give space for KARIA JONES (@motorkay) to join Nneka during our check-in. Please listen, learn, and commit to doing the work of anti-racism every single day!

This week we’re drinking Stoneleigh Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Cape One Moscato, Jackson-Triggs Reserve Chardonnay VQA, and 13th Street Burger Blend Rose VQA. We gave these wines a buzz rating of 5/5, 3.5/5, 4/5, and 3.5/5 respectively.

Youtube link mentioned during our check-in: https://tinyurl.com/ybj4fud4

Become a Patron! http://tiny.cc/bhjuez

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatthecentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Jun 10, 202002:08:05
22 - Come from a Place of Love w/ JAIMIE TOROK

22 - Come from a Place of Love w/ JAIMIE TOROK

On this week’s episode we are so excited to welcome JAIMIE TOROK! Jaimie is an Ontario Public Service employee, a volunteer for St. Vincent Place Men’s Shelter, Food Bank, Soup Kitchen and Thrift Store, a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters Sault Ste. Marie, a single-mother, a survivor, and a passionate advocate for women and children rights. Jaimie is also a part of the @WomenatthecentrE team as a Chapter Executive Member and integral leader of our Sault Ste. Marie chapter! How she finds the time to do this all, we will never know! But we are so happy to have her on the podcast this week to talk about her experience of being a single mother raising two children, the importance of leading with love, and how she fosters healthy relationships with her sons. To learn more about becoming a member with WomenatthecentrE, please visit: https://www.womenatthecentre.com/members/ 

This week we’re drinking Open Riesling Gewürztraminer VQA, Magnotta Shiraz, Babich Sauvignon Blanc, and Riunite Lambrusco Frizzante. We gave these wines a buzz rating of 4/5, 5/5, 4.5/5, and 4.5/5 respectively.

Become a Patron! http://tiny.cc/bhjuez

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatthecentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

May 27, 202001:25:52
21 - Monetization over Justice w/ ELLEN KAUFMAN

21 - Monetization over Justice w/ ELLEN KAUFMAN

This week we begin with a fairly heavy check-in where Nneka and Shelleena share their collective mental noise surrounding anti-Black racism, white supremacy, and the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. They both also share their successes for the week and gratitude for the loved ones in their lives. Then, we are so excited to welcome a very special guest to the @WYSWpodcast, ELLEN KAUFMAN (@elmkauf). Ellen is a doctoral student in Informatics at Indiana University and a graduate research assistant at the Kinsey Institute. Her research focuses on the implications of technologically-mediated intimacy for the future of erotic labor, social robotics, and interpersonal relationships. On a more personal note, Ellen is also Nneka’s (soon to be) daughter-in-law, and we could not be happier to have her as a part of the extended @WomenatthecentrE family! Ellen shares some of her research on sex-tech with us, and chats with us about what accountability, ethics, and digital literacy mean within this field of work.

This week we’re drinking Sandbanks Riesling VQA, Inniskillin Late Autumn Riesling VQA, Oyster Bay Chardonnay, & El Abuelo Organic Sauvignon-Verdejo. We gave these wines a buzz rating of 5/5, 4.5/5, 5/5, and 5/5 respectively.

Become a Patron! http://tiny.cc/bhjuez

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatthecentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

May 13, 202001:21:38
20 - Don’t Let Anyone Dictate Your Own Life w/ SHELLEENA, CHRIS, and MATTHEW

20 - Don’t Let Anyone Dictate Your Own Life w/ SHELLEENA, CHRIS, and MATTHEW

This week we are so excited to welcome back Shelleena (@Shelleena), Chris, and Matthew (AKA Tucker, @matteldracher) to continue our discussion surrounding polyamory. While last week we chatted about their relationship history and how they began their journey into polyamory, this week we take a deep dive into what their relationship looks like now. As always, Nneka and Shelleena lead us in a check-in where they both share some upsetting mental noise, as well as their successes and gratitudes for the week. Then Nneka jumps right back into our conversation with Chris, Matthew, and Shelleena to chat about the ins and outs of making a relationship with three people work.

This week we’re drinking Funf 5 Riesling Rhein and Henry Of Pelham Riesling VQA. We gave these wines a buzz rating of 4.2/5 and 4/5 respectively.

Become a Patron! http://tiny.cc/bhjuez

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatthecentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Apr 29, 202001:31:42
19 - I am a Living, Breathing Unicorn w/ SHELLEENA, CHRIS, and MATTHEW

19 - I am a Living, Breathing Unicorn w/ SHELLEENA, CHRIS, and MATTHEW

Like many other podcasts, we’ve had to change our format due to the continued physical distancing procedures that are in place to combat COVID-19. This week, our co-hosts and producer meet once again, but over a Zoom video call, to check-in and chat with our amazing guests! After touching base about the various ways in which we are all experiencing the effects of the pandemic, Nneka shares some crucial information about the impacts physical distancing has had on survivors, and their families, who are experiencing male-perpetuated violence. To learn more, please check out her latest blog post.

We are then so excited to welcome our guests this week! Nneka had the pleasure of interviewing our very own Shelleena, her husband Chris, and their partner Matthew to talk about their relationship and their experiences with polyamory. Shelleena opens up the conversation by sharing some definitions and terminology, and then Chris and Shelleena both take us through their relationship history and the ways in which they have decided to open up their marriage. While they share some of the struggles they experienced when disclosing their relationship to their family, they also share some incredible stories of supportive and encouraging responses! We then invite their partner Matthew Eldracher (AKA Tucker, @matteldracher) to share his experiences of joining this throuple!

Like always, we invite you to listen to this podcast with an open mind and kind heart, and if you are interested in learning more about polyamory or the poly community please check out the following resources: The Ethical Slut by Dossie Easton and Janet Hardy; Stories from the Polycule by Dr. Elisabeth Sheff; Turn Me On (Podcast); The L Word (TV Series); Polyamory: Married & Dating (TV Series); Esther Perel (Podcast & Books); Local events called “Munches”; & Oasis Aqualounge (Toronto based Sex Club)

This week we’re drinking Bottega Vino Dei Poeti Brut Rose, Ruffino Prosecco, and Bottega Vino Dei Poeti Prosecco DOC. We gave these wines a buzz rating of 2.5/5, 3/5, and 4.25/5 respectively.

Become a Patron! http://tiny.cc/bhjuez

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatthecentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Apr 15, 202001:21:57
18 - Take a Breath

18 - Take a Breath

*Please note that we pre-recorded this episode several weeks ago, before the direction to self-isolate here in Ontario, Canada. The entire WomenatthecentrE and What’s Your Safe Word teams are now practicing physical distancing and self-isolation, as directed. Please stay safe and be kind to yourselves during these unprecedented times. We love you and hope this can add some comfort to your day!*

On this week’s episode we’re taking a deep breath and pausing for a moment. Shelleena and Nneka check in, as usual, and then invite Amanda to also share her mental noise, gratitude, and success. Our co-hosts and producer spend this episode catching up and regrouping, after what has almost been a year of planning, recording, and bringing this podcast to our listeners. We also then share some listener feedback! Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review and maybe we’ll read your comments soon! We hope this episode can inspire all of you to connect with those around you, check-in with yourselves, and practice some self care!

This week we’re drinking Martini & Rossi Asti. We gave this wine a buzz rating of 3.8/5.

Become a Patron! http://tiny.cc/bhjuez

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatthecentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Apr 01, 202001:20:12
17 - Solidarity Sisters

17 - Solidarity Sisters

Our team is reunited this week, as Shelleena and Nneka welcome Karia, Amanda, and Nicole to the podcast once again! While our conversation starts by chatting about an episode of Sex Education (warning: brief spoilers), it turns into a much deeper discussion about sisterhood and friendship. We end our conversation with the message from Shelleena (and the whole team) that when we talk about sisterhood, we mean that in the truest sense of the word, and that we actively want to work against cis-terhood and cisnormativity within these spaces. Nneka also shares some information about becoming a member at WomenatthecentrE, and if you would like to learn more please visit: https://www.womenatthecentre.com/members/

This week we’re drinking Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay. We gave this wine a buzz rating of 2/5.

Become a Patron! http://tiny.cc/bhjuez

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatthecentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Mar 18, 202001:08:10
16 - Shake Up The Justice System w/ SHIRLEY BROEKSTRA (Transformative Justice Part 2)

16 - Shake Up The Justice System w/ SHIRLEY BROEKSTRA (Transformative Justice Part 2)

This week, one of the integral members of the @WomenatthecentrE team, SHIRLEY BROEKSTRA, joins Nneka and Shelleena to take a deeper dive into the research that was conducted as a part of the Transformative Accountability and Justice Initiative. In particular, they share their experiences of conducting the one-on-one and focus group interviews, highlighting the courageous survivors who shared their declarations with the team. Shelleena also celebrates Shirley’s brilliant idea of adding an additional question to the focus group interviews! As always, the team then finishes with a check-out where we each shared one word to describe the interviews.

This week we’re drinking Louis Bouillot Perle d'Ivoire Brut Blanc de Blancs. We gave this wine a buzz rating of 3/5.

Become a Patron! http://tiny.cc/bhjuez

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatthecentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Mar 11, 202001:26:28
15 - We’ve Ended Up Where They Begin (Transformative Justice Part 1)

15 - We’ve Ended Up Where They Begin (Transformative Justice Part 1)

We are getting back to our roots this week, with an intimate conversation between Shelleena and Nneka (and Amanda). Out cohosts sit down to chat about a research project and initiative that @WomenatthecentrE has been undertaking for the past several years. In this first episode, of what will be a mini-series, Shelleena and Nneka outline the origins of the Transformative Initiative and Justice Model, highlight the kaleidoscope of data used, and introduce the “5 C’s” used for data analysis. In particular, Nneka explains why an alternative model of justice is necessary for survivors of sexual assault and the ways in which WomenatthecentrE became involved in this specific project.


This week we’re drinking Inniskillin Discovery Series East West Pinot Grigio. We gave this wine a buzz rating of 4.13/5.


Become a Patron! http://tiny.cc/bhjuez


To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatthecentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!


Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter


Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)


If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Mar 04, 202059:58
14 - I Can Change My Mind At Any Time

14 - I Can Change My Mind At Any Time

This week Shelleena and Nneka are joined by the @WomenatcentrE team to talk about consent! Karia, Nicole, and Amanda join our co-hosts to chat about what consent means and the ways in which standard definitions can be limiting or problematic, due to the complexities of sex and sexual relationships. Consent is a complex topic and as we talked, we realized we don’t have all the answers! But, we have to be willing to have these tricky, messy conversations and lean into the discomfort of discussing consent with our families, children, friends, and partners. We end by sharing Planned Parenthood's FRIES model of consent to use as a great starting point! 

This week we’re drinking Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc. We gave this wine a buzz rating of 3.4/5.

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatcentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Feb 26, 202057:35
13 - Watch the Movie, Do the Work

13 - Watch the Movie, Do the Work

On this week’s episode, Shelleena and Nneka lead a discussion surrounding the new Netflix film, “American Son”. Nicole, Karia, and Amanda join our hosts to break down and examine this incredibly impactful movie, that was based on a Broadway play of the same name. As always with our media episodes, there will be spoilers as we discuss the entirety of the plot. The team talks through some of the most heartbreaking, violent, and intense scenes, and offers our critical analyses and perspectives.  Nneka and Shelleena also lead us in a check-in to start, and we finish with our team buzz rating and a check-out discussing some self-care strategies.

**TW**Due to the nature of the content discussed during this episode, we would also like to offer a trigger warning as our conversations involve emotional, heavy discussions surrounding police brutality and anti-Black racism. Please only listen if you feel you have the capacity to do so and if while listening you feel you need help, please reach out to your local support networks.

This week we’re drinking Cave Spring Riesling VQA. We gave this wine a buzz rating of 3.65/5.

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatcentrE / Tw: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Feb 19, 202001:24:35
12 - It’s Not Me, It’s Him (Unbelievable, Part 2/2)

12 - It’s Not Me, It’s Him (Unbelievable, Part 2/2)

This week’s episode features the continuation of our conversation surrounding the new Netflix series, “Unbelievable”. If you haven’t listened to Episode 11, please listen to it first and then come right back to hear the conclusion of our discussion! During this week’s podcast, the team talks about the remaining episodes in the series, highlighting the injustices that survivors face throughout the criminal justice system. We then finish with our buzz rating and one of our wildest check-outs yet!

**TW**Due to the nature of the content discussed during this episode, we would also like to offer a trigger warning as our conversations involve emotional discussions surrounding sexual violence, police violence, and anti-Black racism. Please only listen if you feel you have the capacity to do so and if while listening you feel you need help, please reach out to your local support networks.

This week we’re continuing to drink Adamo Estate Winery 2018 Estate Riesling. We gave this wine a buzz rating of 4.13/5.

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatcentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Feb 12, 202058:52
11 - Like a Bullet in the Spine (Unbelievable, Part 1/2)

11 - Like a Bullet in the Spine (Unbelievable, Part 1/2)

We have a bit of a different format this week! You will only be hearing the first half of our conversation, including our check-in and the wine introduction. We got a little carried away with our discussion and dismantling of the new Netflix series, “Unbelievable”, so we’ve split this episode into 2 parts. During the first half of the conversation, the entire team sits down with Nneka and Shelleena to discuss the beginning episodes and outline the major players in the show. The team also draws connections between the research WomenatthecentrE has conducted and the information presented in Unbelievable, highlighting  some discrepancies. As always, if you haven’t seen the show yet, and don’t want any spoilers, be sure to  watch it now and then hurry back to listen to our debrief! 

**TW**Due to the nature of the content discussed during this episode, we would also like to offer a trigger warning as our conversations involve emotional discussions surrounding sexual violence and police violence. Please only listen if you feel you have the capacity to do so and if while listening you feel you need help, please reach out to your local support networks.

This week we’re drinking Adamo Estate Winery 2018 Estate Riesling. To find out our buzz rating, tune in next week to the second half of this episode!

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatcentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Feb 05, 202057:32
10 - We’re All Artists, That’s the Beauty of Art w/ NICOLE FONTYN-TAYLOR

10 - We’re All Artists, That’s the Beauty of Art w/ NICOLE FONTYN-TAYLOR

We are thrilled to welcome our very own, NICOLE FONTYN-TAYLOR (@NicoleFontyn) to the WYSW podcast this week! Nicole is a graduate of Ryerson’s Master of Social Work Program, and the current Project Coordinator at WomenatthecentrE in the area of capacity building. She has a passion for community activism on social issues related to women’s rights, and she utilized art as a tool for resistance and social change within her Major Research Paper. This week, Shelleena and Nneka both sit down with Nicole to learn more about her work on embodied representations of women’s resistance and strength within the context of gendered violence, as well as her personal reclamation of the word ‘survivor’. We are so lucky to have Nicole as an integral member of the WomenatthecentrE team, and even more excited to share her brilliance with the world! Enjoy!

This week we’re drinking Batasiolo Bosc D'la Rei Moscato D'Asti DOCG. We gave this wine a buzz rating of 4.1/5.

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatcentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Jan 29, 202049:41
9 - God Speed, Go Quickly

9 - God Speed, Go Quickly

The What’s Your Safe Word? team is once again doing a media analysis! You know the drill, if you haven’t seen the episode yet, there will be spoilers. And this week, Nneka and Shelleena are joined by Nicole, Amanda, and Janet to discuss Handmaid’s Tale. Specifically, we’ll be chatting about the episode “Liars” (Season 3, Episode 11). But to start, our check in is a little different, as Shelleena shares our collective metal noise for the week – wedding dress shopping while living in a fat body. 

This week we’re drinking Spumante Bambino Sparkling Wine (mixed with orange juice for Mimosas)! We gave this wine a buzz rating of 3.54/5.

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatcentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Jan 22, 202001:36:22
8 - I Would Say Thank You

8 - I Would Say Thank You

On this week’s episode of What’s Your Safe Word? Shelleena and Nneka begin, as usual, by checking in with their weekly success, mental noise, and gratitude where they both shared some new and exciting developments in their lives! Then they are joined by our regular guests, Karia and Amanda, to discuss what it means to be the children of survivors. Shelleena, Karia, and Amanda all share their personal declarations, as Nneka leads this emotional and critical conversation.

**TW**Due to the nature of the content discussed during this episode, we would also like to offer a trigger warning as our conversations involve emotional discussions surrounding domestic violence. Please only listen if you feel you have the capacity to do so and if while listening you feel you need help, please reach out to your local supports.

This week we’re drinking Fresh Beginnings Moscato VQA. We gave this wine a buzz rating of 2.8/5.

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatcentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Jan 15, 202001:46:44
7 - I Make Abusers Really, Really Angry w/ MAYA ROY

7 - I Make Abusers Really, Really Angry w/ MAYA ROY

This week we are so excited to welcome MAYA ROY to the What’s Your Safe Word? podcast! Maya is the Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Canada and was recently named a Recipient of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 for 2019. She is a diversity specialist with 22 years of experience in a variety of sectors in public policy development, public health, adult education and social work. Maya was a member of the Gender Equality Advisory Council for Canada’s G7 Presidency, she is currently part of Young Global Leaders with the World Economic Forum, and she sits on the board of Women’s College Hospital. After our check-in, Nneka leads a conversation with Shelleena and Maya to learn more about Maya’s various roles, how the two met, and the importance of strategic advocacy.

This week we’re drinking Famille Perrin Réserve Côtes du Rhône Rosé. We gave this wine a buzz rating of 3.14/5.

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatcentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Jan 08, 202001:30:51
6 - My Sweat is Just as Important as My Tears w/ JADE PEEK

6 - My Sweat is Just as Important as My Tears w/ JADE PEEK

In this week’s episode of What’s Your Safe Word? Shelleena is joined once again by our lovely Nneka! Even more exciting though, is that this week we are welcoming our very first guest to the show, JADE PEEK (@KweJade / @jadethediva)!! Jade is a Mi’kmaq and Black Nova Scotian trans woman from Halifax. She is a multi-disciplinary artist, curator, educator, and activist. She is known for also being a community organizer in K’jipuktuk, Mi'kma'ki, creating community, artistic and educational spaces and hubs, and has been an active player in the national student movement. After our weekly check in, our cohosts cozy up with the incredible Jade to learn more about her life, her stance on advocacy, and why we need more accomplices instead of allies.

This week we’re drinking Adamo Winery 2017 Whip’d White Blend. We gave this wine a buzz rating of 3.5/5.

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatcentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com 

Jan 01, 202001:32:04
5 - Don’t Yuck Someone Else’s Yum

5 - Don’t Yuck Someone Else’s Yum

In this week’s episode of What’s Your Safe Word? we’re still missing our fearless leader Nneka, but again, Amanda, Nicole, and Karia join Shelleena to have a chat about the Netflix show “Bonding”. As usual we start with our weekly check in and share stories of sex education classes and weddings, among other exciting things! We then reveal our opinions on the new Netflix series, covering everything we loved and all the things that still left us wishing they had done better. Again, there are lots of spoilers in this episode and we talk about the whole season, so before listening make sure you check out Season One of “Bonding” on Netflix! (Also, Netflix, hit us up for a sponsorship, please and thanks).

This week we’re drinking Inniskillin Late Autumn Riesling. We gave this wine a buzz rating of 4.6/5.

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatcentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Dec 18, 201901:10:09
4 - First Responders

4 - First Responders

In this week’s episode of What’s Your Safe Word? we are missing one half of our hosting team, but Shelleena is joined by Amanda, Nicole, and Karia to discuss First Responders. The team explores what this term means for us outside of the context of emergency services, and shares some of their own declarations of truth. But first, as usual, our team checks in with our successes and gratitude.

**TW**Due to the nature of the explicit content discussed during this episode, we would also like to offer a trigger warning, as our conversations involve graphic discussions surrounding sexual assault. Please only listen if you feel you have the capacity to do so, and if while listening you feel you need help, please reach out to your local supports.

This week we’re drinking Tawse Spark Brut Sparking. We gave this wine a buzz rating of 4.2/5.

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatcentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Dec 04, 201950:44
3 - You’re Either Racist or You’re Not, What do You Mean You’re Neutral?

3 - You’re Either Racist or You’re Not, What do You Mean You’re Neutral?

In this week’s episode of What’s Your Safe Word? the team sits down to discuss the television show “The Good Fight”, the spin-off series of “The Good Wife”. We analyze and critique Episode 3 of Season 4 – “The One with Lucca Becoming a Meme”. If you haven’t watched this episode yet, stop what you’re doing and go watch it now, if you’re worried about spoilers. But make sure you come back, because we get down and dirty with this media analysis.

This week we're drinking Jacob’s Creek Moscato Rose. We gave this wine a buzz rating of 4/5.

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatcentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Nov 20, 201901:24:28
2 - Never Wrestle with a Pig

2 - Never Wrestle with a Pig

This week you will be meeting the fabulous WomenattheCentre team! We start by checking in with our mental noise - much of which surrounded school and work, our gratitude for Shirley’s amazing court prep website, our successes which involved having some amazing conversations about consent, and our inspiration for the week highlighted the activism we’re seeing surrounding student walkouts. We then have a round table discussion to introduce you to each team member and learn more about what brought them to the work.

This week we were drinking Cape One Moscato, a blend of wine from South Africa and Canada. We gave this wine a buzz rating of 3.55/5.

To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG: @WomenatcentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!

Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com

Nov 06, 201901:22:21
1 - Safety First, Fun Afterwards

1 - Safety First, Fun Afterwards

In this week’s episode of What’s Your Safe Word? Declarations of Resistance, your hosts Nneka MacGregor and Shelleena Hackett will introduce this brand new, bi-weekly podcast! They share the origin story of WomenatthecentrE and check-in with their success, gratitude, and mental noise. They’re joined by producer, Amanda Hollahan, to chat about our shared inspiration for the week: Grey’s Anatomy. They also take a deep dive into a conversation surrounding language (spoiler alert: it’s important)!


This week we are drinking Quail’s Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay. We gave this wine a buzz rating of 4.25/5.


To learn more about any of our team members please follow us on social media! You can find WomenatthecentrE (IG:
@WomenatcentrE / TW: @WomenatcentrE), What’s Your Safe Word? (@WYSWpodcast), Nneka MacGregor (@NnekaMacGregor), Shelleena Hackett (@Shelleena), Amanda Hollahan (@AmandaHollahan), Nicole Fontyn (@NicoleFontyn), and Karia Jones (@motorkay) on Instagram and Twitter!


Amazing intro music by: @wanderallwinter

Disclaimer: We are having some issues with our audio during certain points. We are a grassroots organization and trying our best to use the best audio equipment we can, without causing any of our team members any financial hardship. As always, we think these discussions are important and need to be heard, but if you’re concerned about the audio, now would be a great time to donate to our Patreon (http://tiny.cc/bhjuez)


If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please email us at: podcast@womenatthecentre.com or check out our website: https://wysw.womenatthecentre.com


Oct 23, 201901:14:32