BeCause & Effect

Brent Bellamy is improving Winnipeg through design; as Creative Director at Number 10 Architectural Group, as well as a contributor to the Winnipeg Free Press, Brent is one of the leading voices in architecture and design and our city.

I sat down with Brent Bellamy, to talk about how urban design can affect social equity, the debate about urban sprawl and downtown living, and how our cities can evolve to allow future generations to thrive.

Sachit Mehra is a strong community voice that spends so much of his time giving back. As an entrepreneur, speaker, and community leader, Sachit is a leader, through-and-through.

I sat down with Sachit Mehra, Co-owner and Manager of the East India Company Pub and Eatery, to talk about how business is intertwined with philanthropy, COVID-19’s affect on the food service industry, and how to deal with the collective challenges we face moving forward.

Andrew Kussy is helping to make dreams come true. That does sound hyperbolic until you learn he works for the Dream Factory, an organization that literally grants wishes to Manitoba Kids battling life-threatening illnesses. Formerly known as the Rainbow Society, The Dream Factory has been impacting Manitoba children since 1983. 

I sat down with Andrew Kussy, to talk about the Dream Factory and their mission, the state of the philanthropic sector post-covid-19, and the tremendous connections and stories that are created and told through his work.

Today’s episode is a special one. For our Season Finale episode, we're joined by Sky Bridges. Sky is the brand new CEO of the Winnipeg Foundation, and joins us for a conversation about many things, including his leadership philosophy and his vision for the future. 

KC Adams is a well-known and highly respected educator, mentor, and social practice artist.

She was planning to unveil her a new piece of public art just this week, but the event was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions, however if you find yourself at The Forks in Winnipeg, her brand new piece is in place, and it is spectacular. So we wanted to have KC on the show to talk about her inspiration for the new piece, and about art in general.

I sat down with KC Adams to talk about artistic intuition, art as meditation, healing, and as a means to staying connected with our ancestors.

Darcy Oake is an internationally acclaimed magician, illusionist, and performer, who’s also been a mental health and addictions advocate for about a decade now. Since his brother Bruce lost his battle with addiction in 2011, the entire Oake family has been working towards opening the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, the first of its kind, in Winnipeg. 

Now only months away from opening its doors, Darcy joins us to talk about his brother’s legacy, addiction, stigma, and how we, as a community, need to approach people experiencing addiction with compassion and support.

Jamil Mahmood has been fighting for a more equitable world since day one. Jamil has experience in grassroots activism, a degree in International Development studies, and was Executive Director of Spence Neighbourhood Association before recently taking the same role with Main Street Project here in Winnipeg.

I sat down with Jamil Mahmood, Executive Director of Main Street Project, to talk about equity and inequality, the role of philanthropy now and in the future, and how with proper organizing and systems in place; no social problem is unsolvable. 

 Rick Frost has been the CEO of the Winnipeg Foundation for nearly a quarter century. He has seen it grow exponentially during his tenure, in staff, assets, and impact to the community.

To commemorate his final days, we wanted to have Rick return to the podcast for the second time, to reflect on his life, his career, and the legacy he’s leaving behind.

I sat down with Rick Frost, CEO of the Winnipeg Foundation, to talk about his philosophy on philanthropy, his wonderful history and career, and what message he has for the future of our City, our Community, and our Foundation.

Trevor LaForte is helping change lives in Winnipeg. As Executive Director of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre, Trevor is ensuring that the staff and kids under the WASAC umbrella have everything they need to succeed.

Not only do they focus on sport, and removing barriers, but WASAC is Canada’s largest employer for Indigenous children and youth, and helps them transition to adulthood by giving them real-world experience in a multitude of ways.

I sat down with Trevor LaForte, Executive Director of WASAC, to talk about opportunity through sport, instilling a community mindset, as well as the holistic approach to wellness and improving the lives of kids in Winnipeg.

For today’s show, we have two guests for the price of one! Both of the hosts of the Winnipeg Foundation’s weekly radio program “BeCause Radio”, Sonny Primolo and Robert Zirk join us today to talk about their wonderful work, telling good news stories of people making a difference in Winnipeg.

You can hear the show every Thursday at noon on 93.7 CJNU here in Winnipeg, but if you’re outside the city just visit becauseradio.org.

I sat down with both Sonny Primolo and Robert Zirk, hosts of BeCause Radio, to talk about production adjustments through COVID-19, perspective they’ve gained speaking with so many amazing guests, and what they’ve got planned for the future of BeCause Radio.