Host Sarah Burke sits down with veteran broadcaster Colleen Rusholme who reflects on the highs and lows of her 30 year career, the pivotal moments that shaped her voice, and the realities of working in an industry that hasn’t always been safe or equitable for women. With honesty and new clarity, she shares her experience navigating toxic environments, the courage it takes to speak out, and the personal toll of confronting past trauma.
Together, Sarah and Colleen explore the intersection of identity, resilience, and reinvention. From stepping away from daily radio to redefining success on her own terms, the conversation also underscores the importance of mentorship, accountability, and creating safer spaces for the next generation of broadcasters.
More About Colleen Rusholme:
Colleen Rusholme is a Canadian radio and television broadcaster, who began her career as a news reporter at CFRB Toronto. She cohosted with Tom Rivers on Talk 640 mornings and q107 afternoon drive. Colleen later worked as morning co-host on EZ Rock 97.3 with Stu Jeffries. This later became boom 997 where she did the morning show with Humble Howard. Colleen also did morning shows with Energy and Fresh radio. She retired from radio after 5 years of mornings at Boom 997 in Ottawa with Tim Morgan in 2024. A 30 year radio career.
Other fun things : She was an airborne traffic reporter, a co- host of CMT Central flagship show, and the voice of many CBC, Discovery and HGTV programs. Colleen now does radio imaging, V/0 tv narration and commercial work from her home studio.
Listen to Jennifer Valentyne on the Women in Media Podcast:
https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/women-in-media/jennifer-valentyne-part-one/
https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/women-in-media/jennifer-valentyne-part-two/
Listen to Maureen Holloway's Recent Women in Media Episode:
https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/women-in-media/maureen-holloway-returns/
Follow Along with Jennifer Valentyne vs. Corus Entertainment:
https://www.chrt-tcdp.gc.ca/en/human-rights/human-rights-public-hearings
Connect with Sarah Burke and Women in Media Network:
https://www.womeninmedia.network/
https://www.instagram.com/wimnetwork
https://www.instagram.com/burketalks
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Colleen RushHome
(02:58) Reflections on a Radio Career
(05:58) Navigating Personal Challenges on Air
(08:59) The Journey into Broadcasting
(11:58) Starstruck Moments and Memorable Interviews
(14:59) Facing Industry Challenges as a Woman
(18:01) The Impact of Toxic Work Environments
(21:07)The Struggle for Change in Broadcasting
(24:05) The Aftermath of Abuse and Moving Forward
(27:51) Navigating Career Changes and Personal Growth
(29:59) The Impact of Speaking Out
(32:56) Facing the Past: Confronting Abusers
(36:50) The Emotional Toll of Trauma
(40:53) Healing and Moving Forward
(43:50) Mentorship and Supporting the Next Generation
(46:42) The Evolution of Broadcasting and Podcasting
(50:42) Hopes for Change in the Industry
