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Why do so many women experience adversity when it comes to being believed? Why do our voices seem to get lost in a sea of skepticism regarding our bodies, experiences and health? In February 2020, about four weeks before the world shut down from the Covid-19 pandemic, artist, educator and friend Tina Martel asked me to write one of my poems on her. I wrote on Tina before, but this time was special because she was still healing from a double mastectomy. To say I was honoured that she asked me is an understatement, but I knew the perfect poem for the occasion, and as an artist, Tina would appreciate it. You are taught many things in art school, but one particular debate sticks out for me: the difference between nakedness versus nudity. Édouard Manet's 1863 painting titled Olympia is often used as an example because, at the time of the unveiling at the Paris Salon, it caused massive outrage. Manet used a model who shamelessly stares directly at the viewer, and for the public, this was more controversial than her nudity or nakedness. It was as if she was giving a big middle finger to how society perceived women and their bodies. I wrote the poem "Olympia Is Over It" as a tribute to women's ongoing struggle when being believed about their bodies, health, and experiences over a century later. Tina, unfortunately, knows this struggle all too well. Her book, Not In The Pink, documents her breast cancer experience and is one of the only books I have ever read that can make me laugh and cry when it comes to Cancer. Her message is important and one that everyone should hear because, like Olympia and me, Tina is over it. Check out Tina Martel on Instagram - @not_in_the-pink My site: carajonesspeaks.tv More about Édouard Manet: https://www.widewalls.ch/magazine/edouard-manet-olympia

Cheyenne Isaac-Gloade is a Mi'gmaq business owner, designer, creator and beader. Originally from Listuguj, Quebec and now based in Millbrook, Nova Scotia. Cheyenne grew up surrounded by her culture, language and the Mi'gmaw way of life. She is a jingle dress dancer in Pow Wow celebrations across Turtle Island and was featured in the music video "Powerless" by Halifax rapper Classified. Her love of Mi'gmaq culture combines both past and present through her unique beaded creations such as earrings, necklaces, bangles, right her fashion and design label, Chey Designs. Her works of art have travelled across the country, worn by influencers, artists, respected officials and featured in films, media, music videos and more.  Like many people, Cheyenne faced a lot of hardship due to the pandemic, but one day it all turned around when she shared the exciting news that she would be working with Nike beading unique Indigenous designs for the brand. The story of how this all came to be is filled with synchronicity, reconciliation and the reminder that what we perceive as insignificant actions can be the catalyst for significant change.  Click these links to learn more about: Chey Designs Artist Christi Belcourt Mi'kmaq activist Annie Mae Aquash Watch Classified's video POWERLESS

Daniel Ross, the owner of Ross Screenprint, shares how what seemed like a harmless tumble during a family ski trip turned into an uphill battle for a diagnosis. What do you do when all your tests come back negative but you know there is something extremely wrong? Dan persevered in the face of resistance and in the end, saved his life.

As a creative person, it can be terrifying to share your work with the world. Whether it's a theatre performance, music, visual art or writing your first book, there's a certain amount of vulnerability that comes with exposing the deepest part of yourself with the world. In this episode of Cara Jones Speaks I travel with one of my best friends, Nicole Spence, to her book launch in Parrsboro, NS. Nicole is nervous and has low expectations for the event, but what unfolds is something she was not prepared for.  Purchase Nicole's Book, Somewhere North of Where I Was

Medical miracles are something that I have read about plenty of times over the years, but when one shows up in your life, it is shocking. The more I learn, the less I know. My mother waking up from her semi-conscious state proves that. What would you do if you were given a second chance? What conversations would you have? What relationships would you mend? As my mother says at the end of this episode, "Second chances? Well, you are damn lucky to get one."

Two of Ottilia's girls needed a foster mother, and I was more than happy to step up to the responsibility even though I was struggling financially as a single mother. Sometimes the most prominent teachers in life come in the smallest packages. The girls taught me many lessons, but the one that continues to stays with me is the life lesson in learning to let go.

Our united families come together to find our new normal after the death of beloved mother and family friend, Dr. Ottilia Chareka. One day I have a psychic vision so powerful I rush to my mother's house to tell her about it. But, unfortunately, she finds out the hard way that having this ability doesn't make a difference if people won't listen.

After the murder of our family friend Dr. Ottilia Chareka, our world changed forever. My parents, along with many members of our community, stepped in to help Ottilia's children as they began the long journey of healing. Shortly after my mother suffered a severe stroke that left her in a semi-conscious state for six years. I mourned my mother who was alive but not living. Then the unthinkable happened. This is the untold story of how life presented us with a second chance.