It’s been a minute, or more precisely 10,519,200 minutes, since Sophie and I first crossed paths on Montreal’s mediascape nearly twenty years ago. To say a lot has happened in her world since would be an understatement. The fearless force of nature that is Sophie has now become a bestselling author of Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves, Loving Each Other, a sought-after speaker in mental health and wellness. and has represented Canada globally as First Lady, sharing experiences with signature insight, humour, and generosity. She has championed causes from Sheena’s Place to Plan Canada, served as the Canadian Mental Health Association’s first national volunteer, and was named a Woman for Nature by Nature Canada. Through it all, she has supported mental health, women’s empowerment, youth education, and the arts, all while keeping her most treasured role front and centre: mom to three amazing kids. Lucky for us, we sat down in an exclusive conversation where Sophie nurtured family, love, and her signature joyful connection. Many thanks to the Hotel Montreal for hosting us so beautifully.
SOPHIE, DESPITE HAVING SPENT TIME OUTSIDE THE PROVINCE IN OTTAWA AND REPRESENTING CANADA GLOBALLY (OR AS WE’RE NOW CALLING IT GLAMADA!), THERE’S NO DENYING YOU’RE A BONA FIDE MONTREAL GAL. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE SPOTS IN THE CITY TO EAT, HANG OUT WITH FAMILY AND LOVED ONES, AND SIMPLY RECALIBRATE?
The mountain is my go-to, a place filled with memories with the kids. I also love discovering small coffee spots run by friends and wellness spaces where you can move, breathe, and recalibrate.
ANY CHANCE WE’LL SEE YOU MOVING BACK HERE SOON?
(Said with a smile) You never know.
OF COURSE, THIS INTERVIEW WOULD BE INCOMPLETE WITHOUT ADDRESSING THE RELEASE OF YOUR GROUND-BREAKING BESTSELLER CLOSER TOGETHER: KNOWING OURSELVES, LOVING EACH OTHER. WHILE I HAVE ENOUGH QUESTIONS TO FILL A MAGAZINE, THREE ARE TOP OF MIND. FIRST: HOW DID YOU KNOW IT WAS TIME TO TAKE YOUR MANY LIFE EXPERIENCES, CHALLENGES, AND LESSONS AND TURN THEM INTO A BOOK? AND WHAT INSPIRED THIS UNIQUE FORMAT, MIXING MEMOIR WITH INTERVIEWS AND INSIGHTS FROM LEADERS IN THE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS SECTORS?
We all reach pivot points. I’ve moved through public life, motherhood, separation, and now a new professional chapter. Along the way, I gathered insights through advocacy, education, and lived experience, but what guided me most was my heart and love for people. Emotional literacy should belong to everyone. I wanted real, relatable conversations, not just memoir or academic text. Hours of interviews with scientists, therapists, and practitioners helped me translate the science into something accessible. This work continues through virtual workshops, including a recent one with trauma expert Dr. Gabor Maté, exploring parts of ourselves we hide. Shame is one of the heaviest feelings, even heavier than grief, and facing it openly is essential for understanding ourselvesand how we show up for others.
SECOND: IN A WORLD WHERE THE LONELINESS EPIDEMIC IS RAPIDLY EXPANDING, WHAT ARE ONE OR TWO PRACTICAL STEPS PEOPLE WHO ARE STRUGGLING CAN TAKE TODAY? AND WHAT RESOURCES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND, GIVEN YOUR WORK AS AN ADVOCATE, AUTHOR, AND AMBASSADOR FOR ORGANIZATIONS LIKE THE CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION?
Loneliness comes from disconnection. One step is to create moments of real connection, even small ones, sharing your thoughts or listening deeply. Another is to embrace intentional solitude, refl ecting and noticing what your body and emotions tell you. Stepping outside, breathing fresh air, and connecting with nature can reset mind and body. For support, Sophie recommends the Canadian Mental Health Association and Info-Social 811. Emergency services: 911. Suicide Prevention and Help Line: 1 866 APPELLE, by text 535353, or online at suicide.ca.
ONE MORE, BECAUSE WE LOVE QUOTES AND YOU HAVE SO MANY SPECTACULAR ONES: WHAT’S AN ICONIC ONE TO TAKE WITH US?
One quote I love is by David Whyte: “Innocence is the ability to be found by the world you’re now inhabiting.” It captures the courage to be open, receptive, and fully present. Discovering your truth and engaging deeply with yourself is one of the most exponential experiences you can have. Solitude can be a blessing, but we also need soulful connections. One of the greatest determinants of wellbeing and longevity is the quality of our relationships. To carry forward: remain human, embrace discomfort, connect deeply, and never lose hope in the beauty of people and the world around you.
And with that, we closed the chapter on an unforgettable interview with Sophie, feeling closer, inspired, and excited for what the future holds.
PHOTOS Allen McInnis, courtesy of the Montreal Gazette