BeCause & Effect

Stephen Borys is one of the leading and most educated voices in art and art history in the country. He holds a PhD in Art and Architectural History from McGill, a MA in Art History from the University of Toronto, on top of being the curator or curatorial assistant at many acclaimed museums and galleries across North America.

In his current role as the Director and CEO of the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) he’s been tasked with building Canada’s first Inuit Art Centre, slated to open in 2020.

I sat down with Stephen to talk about storytelling through art, educating our youth in the language of artistry, and the importance of giving a platform to indigenous artists to showcase their beautiful works.

Joy Loewen is living a life in service of others. As the Acting Executive Director of The National Screen Institute, she and her team are empowering Canadians all across the country to tell their stories, and find careers while doing so.

As a volunteer and board member for countless organizations in her city, Joy has made it a priority in her life to help lift up those in need.

I sat down with Joy, to talk about the importance of giving a hand up to others, bringing out their potential, and how everyone has a story to tell.

Dayna Spiring knows how compelling Winnipeg is when it comes to business opportunities, tourism, and leisure activities. As the President and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc, Dayna knows what it takes to be a great city. 

She also knows there’s a lot to be excited about in the city, not only for tourists visiting, but for the people living here as well – just think about the whiteout parties from a few years ago! Dayna is an avid volunteer and devotes much of her time to make Winnipeg better. She is currently the vice-chair of the Winnipeg Football Club’s board of directors, and was the first-ever woman to server on the CFL’s board of Governors.

I sat down with Dayna Spiring, to talk about what makes a city thrive, the evolution of Winnipeg, and the importance of breathing more life into the core of our city.

Chef Ben Kramer has been working in kitchens, and with food, his entire life. From humble beginnings washing dishes, to catering for thousands over his career, he lives and breathes healthy food.

Chef Kramer has been a champion of local, sustainable ingredients for years, and has helped to change the way Western Canada approaches cuisine.

I sat down with Chef Ben Kramer, to talk about the culinary arts, his devotion to quality sustainable ingredients, and his passion for helping people make healthy food choices.

Tara Birtwhistle has danced at the pinnacle of professional ballet for most of her career. She joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in 1991, was made principal dancer in 2000, and has been Ballet Master for 11 years. She has represented the company and danced all over the world during her nearly 30-year career, including a performance for the Queen.

Now the Associate Artistic Director of RWB, Tara has taken a more directorial and mentorship role, Tara is focusing on the next generation of dancers, and keeping the Arts alive and thriving in her community.

I sat down with Tara to talk about the sacrifice required to thrive in the world of ballet, the challenge of telling stories through movement, and the importance of dance, creativity, and the arts to our society.

I could talk to Dr. Ian Mauro for hours about climate change. He’s a uniquely equipped expert in the field, with decades of education, research, and first-hand experience on all aspects of the impending climate catastrophe.

He is the Executive Director of the Prairie Climate Centre at the University of Winnipeg, a filmmaker, activist, and environmental and social scientist.

I sat down with Ian, to talk about climate change, the role technology and media has to play, and trying to inspire a fundamental shift in the way we approach our relationship with the land. 

Jennifer Jones is a Canadian superstar and curling legend. Her list of accolades and championships is too long to name, reaching the pinnacle with an Olympic gold medal in 2014. Jennifer is humble, warm, driven, generous, and a quintessential Manitoban. 

I sat down with Jennifer, to talk about performing under pressure, dealing with personal and professional loss, honoring her late father, and what it means to be a champion.

Show notes:
1:10 - Intro. "There's nothing like curling in Winnipeg."
3:42 - Local support via friends, family & friends in 2014 Olympics.
7:25 - Advice to her daughters. "Nobody can ever outwork you.... Chase your dreams."
8:28 - Her father's legacy.
10:50 - Her dad as a coach, visionary, and guide.
13:01 - Coaching her daughter in gymnastics. Performing under pressure, enjoying the moment.
15:34 - On still loving curling after all these years.
16:56 - Plan for the future, juggling work, family, and sports. Next Olympics...?
18:14 - Giving back, philanthropy, volunteering.
19:59 - Experience with Special Olympics and Special Olympic Athletes.
22:04 - Volunteerism in Curling. 
25:35 - Experience as a corporate lawyer in relation to sport.
26:44 - Importance of healthy food and nutritional options for herself and her kids.
28:09 - Meeting Prince Charles, receiving the Order of Manitoba.
29:18 - Being recognized in public.
31:08 - Just BeCause Questions 
35:34 - "What do you want to be remembered for?"
36:03 - Outro

Mark Chipman is a quintessential Winnipegger. 

As the Executive Chairman of the Board of True North Sports + Entertainment and the Winnipeg Jets, he has devoted most of his professional life to giving back and helping improve the city where he was born and raised.

Along with his wife Patti, Mark has played a major role with the True North Youth Foundation since its inception in 1996, consisting of three core programs, Camp Manitou, Project 11, and the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy.

I sat down with Mark to talk about the Causes he cares about, The Jets & their history and legacy, and the importance of giving back and supporting those in need.

Lynn Skromeda has got to be the best person to talk to about the Winnipeg Folk Festival, as she’s been attending for nearly 40 years, basically grew up at the festival, and she also happens to be the Executive Director of Winnipeg Folk Fest as well. 

Although you really have to experience it firsthand to truly ‘get it’, Lynn’s love of the festival, of music, and of the community and artistic culture in general leaves her uniquely equipped to explain the Magic that is the Winnipeg Folk Fest.

I sat down with Lynn to talk about music, the generational impact of the Winnipeg Folk Festival, what to expect from this year and years to come, and how the trajectory of life is often winding and unknown.

Cate Friesen loves telling stories. She’s been doing it her entire life, in nearly every career she’s had; from Singer/Songwriter, to producer with the CBC, Radio Documentarian, and especially now, as the driving force behind The Story Source.

She’s been a key trainer in the Winnipeg Foundation’s Fast Pitch events for the last few years, and frequently works with businesses and non-profits to help them find and tell their stories, through facilitation and coaching.

I sat down with Cate, to talk about the power of story, the challenge of vulnerability, and the importance of finding your calling, whatever that may be.