Who We Are
Unrefined Mettle began years ago - before podcasts were even a thing, really, and before we could put a name to what we wanted to experience. At the core, it started as a series of informal but informative discussions - sometimes on the couch at Maura's, other times in the cozy chairs at Kate's. Many, many hours were spent debating, challenging, and presenting topics from two (or more) sides or as a united front. On more than one occasion, we decided we were going to take the world on...
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Ten years later, here we are. We've taken the first step towards putting ourselves out there and IT. FEELS. GREAT. As we continue to navigate these vast waters, we invite you to listen, respond, and join the conversation. This is so much bigger than we are - and this is only the beginning.
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WE HAVE METTLE.
Kate
Co-Creator, Editor, Producer, Composer, Host, and just all around nice girl!
Kate is a self-proclaimed word nerd, and perpetual student. She’s studied: English, Psychology, Educational Psychology, Education, and Music. She wishes she could be a comedienne, but she’s just not funny. She also finds knowledge in the people and world around her, although disregards those that believe the world is flat.
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Years of combating depression and anxiety, self-loathing, eating disorders, and living with MS, have given Kate a resilient, realistic, yet upbeat outlook on life.
She loves reading, music, scuba diving, long walks in nature, experimentation and occasional failures in the kitchen, and quiet solitary moments.
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Maura
Co-Creatrix, Writer, Producer, Host, Filmmaker and Ever-Blooming
Feminist
Born in Winnipeg and raised in the Middle East, Maura discovered from a very early age that the world is filled with magick, wonder and wisdom. From writing and producing her own plays in the family room, to baring her teenage angst on the stage for the podcast Grownups Read Things They Wrote as Kids, she is always keen to share her experiences and stories.
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Since returning to Canada in 2001, Maura has studied acting, film, and most recently, graduated from the Arts & Cultural Management program at Grant MacEwan University. She is currently working towards a degree in Women's and Gender Studies with a minor in sociology. In between classes, performances and various creative projects, she has birthed and raised two amazing children (with the help of an incredibly supportive and amazing village) who have shown her what life must have been like for her mother when she was growing up - an adventure to say the least!
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After being officially diagnosed with depression and anxiety in 2015, and PTSD in 2017, Maura has dedicated herself to finding productive, engaging and humorous ways to cope - it isn’t always easy, but life has never been so magickal.
When she’s not being wrangled by her two teenagers, writing or inserting herself in to hilarious situations, Maura can be found quietly consulting her Oracle cards and drumming in the moonlight.