Episodes
This week, Sean sits down with Melissa Nadeau, a proud Cole Harbour product, whose life and career have taken her from Toronto to Calgary and across the country, but whose heart remains firmly rooted in Nova Scotia.Melissa shares her journey: growing up in Cole Harbour’s tight-knit hockey culture, becoming one of the only girls playing boys hockey at the time, adventures through St. FX, travels, career pivots, and the perspective shift that came with turning 40. She reflects on how Nova Scotia shaped her values — from community and honesty to work ethic and identity — and why every trip hom...
This week, Sean connects with Candace Curphy, a Nova Scotia native now living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — the adopted home of famous Bluenoser, Sidney Crosby.Born in Queens County and raised between the South Shore and the Valley, Candace shares stories of growing up in a two-room schoolhouse, summer days at Cameron Lake, and how the move to the U.S. reshaped her sense of identity. From volleyball courts in Pennsylvania to life in big American cities, she’s carried her Nova Scotian roots with pride — even if she had to lose the accent along the way.Sean and Candace talk about how Home tak...
"Home" can mean many things. And for Dave McIntyre, Home has always been Cape Breton. Even if he grew up in Ontario!In today's episode, Sean and Dave talk about the impact of family history, family connections, and the ways that impacts our identity.From his family ties in Glace Bay and summers spent on the banks of the Mira River, to the unplanned adventures and the storytelling spirit that defines the island, Dave shares how Cape Breton has shaped his sense of belonging, community, and joy.He paints the picture of his perfect day back home — coffee overlooking the river, dropping in to vi...
This week, Sean reconnects with Cassie Naas, who grew up in Head of St. Margarets Bay and now, like so many Nova Scotians, lives in Calgary.From foggy mornings and the smell of seaweed on the shore to the sight of lupins that remind her of home even on the other side of the world, Cassie’s story is steeped in memory and place. She reflects on leaving Halifax to push herself out of her comfort zone and tells us about the life she’s built in Alberta. And underneath it all is the emotional tug of always having one foot in Nova Scotia.Cassie also walks us through her perfect 24 hours back home ...
What makes someone fall in love with Nova Scotia from thousands of miles away? For Indianapolis-based musician and radio host Dave Bagdade, the answer is simple: the ocean, the people, and above all, the music. After more than a dozen visits—and even getting married on Cape Breton Island —Dave has become a Nova Scotian-by-choice, building deep ties to the province through its Celtic culture.In this episode, Dave takes us on a whirlwind 24-hour journey around Cape Breton, from the Sydney waterfront to the Cabot Trail, Chéticamp, Baddeck, and the Red Shoe Pub. Along the way, he shares why Cap...
In this episode, Sean catches up with Krista Thurrott, who is originally from Cow Bay, Nova Scotia, but is now a creative strategist with Pinterest in Chicago.From childhood days of bike rides and beach walks to building a career that’s taken her from Toronto to London to the Midwest, Krista’s story is woven with the pull of home. Krista also maps out her perfect 24 hours back home in Nova Scotia - coffee in the kitchen with family, a windswept loop around Cow Bay, fish and chips in Lunenburg, craft beer on the waterfront, and a sail into the Dartmouth night. Along the way, she reflects on...
We're back! After an extended hiatus, Global Bluenosers is back and ready to put the spotlight back onto our community of Nova Scotians by birth or by choice living around the world.In this episode, Sean sits down with Ian Kenny, a cultural strategist now based in the Netherlands, whose journey to Nova Scotia began with a chance encounter at a university fair. What followed was five formative years in Halifax - studying at King’s, working at the Keith’s Brewery, and building deep friendships that left a lasting imprint. Ian reflects on how Nova Scotia shaped his identity, gave him a truer s...
What's the easiest way to combat homesickness when starting your journey as a Global Bluenoser?
If you ask Baddeck's Elizabeth Italiano, she'll say you should book your first three trips Home before you even leave!
It's rarely a straight line for anyone leaving small town Cape Breton for a life in Canada's largest city. It comes with some bumps and lots of positives too.
New friends, new ways of doing things, and important discoveries about your homeland - such as the fact Halifax has far superior shawarma to that in Toronto!
In today's chat, Liz tells us all about her journey to Pickering...
How does the love of American football lead to a lifelong connection to Nova Scotia?
The answer might not be obvious, but for born and raised Londoner, Al Tepper, one truly did lead to the other.
Al is what some would call a Bluenoser-by-choice, but it's more accurate to just call him a Nova Scotian. As you'll hear in our conversation today, he credits Nova Scotia for creating the foundation of his life now.
Nova Scotia has fully embedded itself into Al's heart and soul. And he is absolutely okay with that.
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Join us for the next Globa...
Has your mom frozen a pizza from your favourite Nova Scotian pizza spot and shipped it to you across the country? If so, you’re probably a Bluenoser like Allie Mason!
But seriously, for any born-and-raised Bluenoser, today’s chat with Allie is going to leave you smiling, laughing, and feeling pretty darn homesick (in the nostalgic, nice way!)
Allie’s journey from New Glasgow to Los Angeles has been fascinating. And the best part of today’s episode really is the honesty in how she tells her story.
If you finish this episode and aren’t intensely craving Acropole Pizza, I don’t think you were ...
You never know where life will take you.
That's a common theme for so many Global Bluenosers we speak with. But it's very accurate for Naomi Grega.
Growing up in Wellington, Nova Scotia, Naomi could have never imagined the majority of her adult life would be spent living, working and raising a family in Kosice, Slovakia.
So how did someone growing up in a small community next to Halifax's airport end up in Slovakia's second largest city?
Find out in today's episode!
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Join us for the next Global Bluenosers Meetup in London, England o...
How can 48 hours change your life?
For Rachel Sumner, originally from England, it took only 48 hours to convince her family that Nova Scotia was the right next step in their journey.
The rest, as they say, is history!
Rachel's journey as a Canadian-by-choice all started by becoming a Bluenoser-by-choice!
Today, Rachel and I chat about the impact of Nova Scotia on her life and how those fours years in Canada's Ocean Playground have forever impacted her own identity.
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Global Bluenosers is a Some Good Media & Entertainment production. Fi...
Can someone from rural Nova Scotia become the CEO of a global company?
Silly question. Of course they can! And many have. Today's guest is one of them.
Heather Kernahan grew up in Truro and has gone on to become a tech executive, strategic advisor, and investor. She's also been recognized as one of the San Francisco Business Times’ 100 Most Influential Women.
She has recently added author to that list with her new business book, Unstuckable.
Heather and I got to sit down face-to-face less than 24 hours after she landed back home in Halifax. We talked all things Nova Scotia, being a Global ...
Growing up in Fairview, Jeff MacCharles wasn't spending much time travelling the globe.
But a loss early in life taught him that life is short. He has spend his life since then exploring the world, living in different countries and making the most out of every minute.
Today, Jeff joins us from his home in Dallas, Texas to talk about the importance of Nova Scotia in his story
(And to also explain why a Global Bluenosers meetup in Dallas was worth the risk of being late to a class he was lecturing!)
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Global Bluenosers is a Some Good Me...
What comes to mind when I say Bedford, Nova Scotia?
A Traditional Stopping Place?
The Chicken Burger?
Well, after today, you can add proud Bedford native KaraLynn Lewis to the list!
KaraLynn joins the show from Amsterdam today to tell us all about her Global Bluenoser journey and what Nova Scotia means to her.
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Global Bluenosers is a Some Good Media & Entertainment production. Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Like what you heard? ...
How does a Halifax kid end up in Nebraska!?
Just like every expat journey, it's not a straight line from Home to your second home. And that's no different for Will Wong.
Today, Will fills us in on how life has taken him from the family restaurant business in downtown Halifax to a rapidly growing eCommerce accelerator in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Nova Scotia is never far from his mind - whether it's thinking about conquering The Wave on the Halifax waterfront or throwing on some Rankin Family tunes - Will is never far from Home in his mind.
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Global ...
We all know someone who is a Bluenoser-by-choice. And each person has a unique story.
What has led them to fall in love with a place that isn't where they grew up - or even went to school?
On today's episode, we explore that question with proud Bluenoser-by-choice, Dr. Maria Gallo.
As an expert on alumni communities and diaporas, Maria is also the author of The Alumni Way, a book that I actually mentioned wayyyyy back in the pilot episode.
And yes. We definitely spend time talking about our shared love of rural Firefighter Breakfasts! :D
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Who doesn't love some friendly competition?
Season 2 launches with a "who can get more listeners" challenge by guest Stephanie Bateman to her good friend and Season 1 guest, Doug Brenton.
Steph grew up in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia and moved to Toronto 10 years ago. In that time, she has benefitted from building a strong network of East Coasters who have become her closest friends. She keeps Nova Scotia close to her heart, finding ways big and small to stay connected to the province she loves.
Welcome back to Global Bluenosers, everyone!
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Today...
Our Season One finale is just around the corner. And while we wait to record it, Sean takes some time to share reflections and lessons learned from this journey of speaking with Nova Scotians around the world.
What is it like to be a rookie podcaster? What did these conversations team him about himself? About Nova Scotia? And about his original assumptions when Global Bluenosers launched in April 2023?
Join Sean for a little bit of behind the scenes reflections - as he stalls the inevitable wrap of Season One!
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Come to our first meetup, Socia...
Never has picking the title of an episode been more difficult.
"We're just chatty by nature" was a solid option. "The locals call it the old post office" is another great choice. But the story of how locals pronounce Chezzetcook had me laughing for days. It is just too rural Nova Scotia to leave out.
For Toby Schwartz of East Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia, home is never far from her mind. Despite a life filled with adventure across Asia as a Canadian diplomat, there is no denying where Toby calls Home.
Add in a story about the role of Halifax's iconic Harbour Hopper in her wedding and you have ...
For Cole Harbour native, Mark Star, his ideal day of eating is pretty simple.
Lobster Eggs Benedict for Breakfast. Lobster rolls for Lunch. Lobster again at supper. Then top it off with a late night Donair!
Life has taken Mark from Cole Harbour to Bermuda and now to Calgary, but one thing never changes. He is 100% proud Nova Scotian in every aspect of life.
Mark comes to the rescue this week after technical difficulties left us without an episode. With less than 48 hours notice, he made it happen.
Why shift schedules to make it work? The episode title says it all.
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Do you love the sound of the ocean breeze, seagulls and café background noise?
If so, you're in luck!
For today's episode, we took on the biggest challenge to-date. Recording an interview with Global Bluenosers, Doug Brenton, while sitting outside on a breezy summer day!
Both originally from the South Shore, Doug and Sean talk all things Nova Scotia while getting sunburned in Lunenburg.
An especially big thank you to Doug for using a very precious hour of your visit home to sit down for a chat.
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Come to our first meetup, Sociable! in Dallas on October 1...
Very early in life, Kate Bray developed a curiosity for the world and dreamt of exploring beyond Nova Scotia's borders.
The twists and turns of life led to Kate spending several years in Halifax after finishing University and a newfound appreciation for her home province took root.
But in January 2022, she made that big move, and she now calls London home. But her love for Nova Scotia has only deepened.
Kate tells us all about her journey to date and how Nova Scotia has helped shape her. And she also uses her deep culinary appreciation to add many Must Visit restaurants to each of our to-d...
I often get asked what it takes to be a "Bluenosers". They'll talk about their connections to Nova Scotia and say they are Honourary Bluenosers. And that's something I talked with today's guest, Natalie Erb, about.
My net is cast pretty wide. If you'd relationship to Nova Scotia is tight enough to be "honourary" then you're a full-fledged Bluenoser in my books!
New Brunswicker, Natalie Erb, is someone who certainly counts Nova Scotia as having a large impact on her life. After you listen to the episode today, I'm sure you'll agree with me...
Natalie is a Bluenoser!
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Can you believe it? N. MacKinnon is joining the show!
Neil MacKinnon from Bridgewater, Nova Scotia!
Ohhhh, you thought I meant Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon? Whoops.
Yes, Neil and Sean broke out the Dad jokes early in this conversation!
In a first for Global Bluenosers, this was an on-site interview. Recorded in-person at the amazing LaHave Bakery on Nova Scotia's South Shore, Neil and Sean finally met face-to-face for the first time.
The caffeine and sugar fuelled café visit surprisingly stays on track as we dig in on what Neil loves about his Home province, even after 12 years...
What do you do when you absolutely love your Nova Scotian homeland? Obviously, you name your company after it. And that's exactly what Steve Mason, founder and CEO of Nova Blue Technologies did!
Steve grew up just outside of Halifax in a Navy family. From neighbourhood kitchen parties to regular trips to Pizza Corner, he lived the Bluenoser life. Then opportunity knocked and kickstarted his 20+ year journey as a Nova Scotian living outside the province.
Sean and Steve get deep into the expat experience in this episode. They hit on everything from what creates the modern day Bluenoser attac...
Have you ever seen a decor that's described as "Nova Scotia forward"?
That's what you'll find in Kaleigh MacMaster's new flat in London as she surrounds herself with Home while embarking on her latest expat journey.
Originally from Dartmouth, Kaleigh first moved to Toronto in 2015 and then made the jump across the pond to London in 2022. As someone who has been heavily involved in the East Coast expat community for years, she believes wholeheartedly in the power of our Nova Scotia community abroad.
This week, she joins the show to tell us all about her journey from Nova Scotia to the UK - a...
Several years ago, Mike Burke set out to give back to a part of Canada that he has never actually lived in. But that didn't make it any less special.
Mike's connection to Nova Scotia stretches back multiple generations and a few hundred years. But regular family road trips to Nova Scotia from New Jersey in the 1980s helped cement it as part of his identity.
Being a Global Bluenosers has more than one definition. Mike is part of a very special group - ancestral diaspora - that represents a whole other frontier when it comes to the potential reach and influence of Nova Scotia's second populat...
What's it like to leave your homeland and come to Nova Scotia? It's unique for every person, but just like for Nova Scotians who leave to experience life somewhere else, there are common threads across every story.
In today's bonus episode, we explore the experience of making Nova Scotia your second home with three Welshmen who have become a big part of the Nova Scotia community.
Will Sean get a word in with this group? You'll have listen to find out!
(The answer is no....)
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An extra special thanks to Rhys Waters and the team at Podstarter for letting us...
Some people just have "Nova Scotia" written all over them. Their personality, their perspectives, and their approach to life.
Haligonian Christina Copp falls directly into that category.
From a first (and short-lived) attempt at expat life in Toronto to a chance meeting on a Contiki tour that kickstarted an eight-year journey to the UK and now Australia, she has experienced the full range of emotions that come with leaving your homeland.
Christina joins the show this week to talk about what Home means to her, why the Pacific Ocean just doesn't cut it, and how badly she wants her kids to e...