People Doing Cool Stuff: Babes of Quinte
Get to know Katie Sherratt and Kay Joly, hosts of the Babes of Quinte podcast. “Being a babe has nothing to do with physical features, gender or sexual orientation. It’s a vibe. An aura. A quiet confidence. If you believe you’re a babe, you are. Welcome to our club.”
Interview by Jack McAvoy
Photos by Christine Reid Photography
Read time: 2 min
For anyone out of the loop, tell us about Babes of Quinte.
Babes of Quinte is a weekly podcast. We like to call ourselves semi-qualified babes talking to the baddest and brightest in the Bay of Quinte Region. The goal of our episodes is to tell the stories of long-standing businesses, new businesses taking off, people who’ve overcome challenges and sometimes just a good chat with one of our friends.
What inspired you to get into podcasting?
We work at Starboard Communications (the home of Hits 95.5, Cool 100.1 & InQuinte.ca) so we’re surrounded by seasoned story tellers. Katie and I had the same concept around the same time, so it just made sense to jump right into it. We had no idea what we were doing, but thankfully, we have some great co-workers who’ve helped and tolerated us taking over the studios.
What is the most fun you’ve had recording an episode?
That’s such a hard question because we’ve laughed to tears in many episodes. I think we laugh the hardest in Episode 65: ADHD Murder Opossums with Kelly Scott of the Beauty Collective, Episode 43: Bird sounds & other things with Kierra Ried (The Grange Winery) and Christine Reid (Christine Reid Photography) and Episode 78: Tiffany with 2 ‘f’ and a ‘y’ with Sam Valdivia owner & chef at La Condesa.
If you could interview ANYONE on the pod, who would it be?
We have a LONG wishlist. A few standouts: Lauren Ash, Avril Lavigne, Jess Jones (a PWHL player), Sprague Foods, and The Parrott Foundation.
You recently hosted a tie-dye networking night; can you tell us about these events and why you do them?
Yes! Tie-dye at Your Creative Junction was our second Babes Network event. (our first was Bocce golf at Black Bear Ridge!) We wanted to create a casual networking event that was different from what other organizations were doing. Sometimes breaking into the business space is intimidating, so this is our little “dip the toes in the water” approach.
What are your favourite BoQ spots to visit?
Katie: I love the Farmers’ Market on Saturdays & drop-in crafting at Your Creative Junction.
Kay: I love grabbing a coffee at The Grind & Vine, The Brake Room or Benji’s. I’m also a big fan of just running out to one of the local conservation areas for a walk.
What are y’all and the Babes of Quinte podcast up to in ‘24 that we should look forward to?
We’re about to hit 100 episodes, so that’s exciting! I don’t think either of us expected to record this many. We’re also hoping to host another Babes Network event in the fall.
How do you like to spend your days off?
Katie: Getting out on the Bay sailing! Being with my dogs and spending time outside with my partner, Jeanette.
Kay: I love slow mornings with the kids. Otherwise, you’ll find me crafting, reading and snuggling cats.
Lastly, how can we support Babes of Quinte?
Subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts or listen right from our website at babesofquinte.ca.
