Belonging Brant

In this episode, Belonging Brant's Jenna sits down with community member Floyd Doctor to chat about not only the story of his ancestor Chief Peter Green, but also the importance of legacy + storytelling today. This podcast was formed out of the Belonging Brant initiative, the "Elder's Legacy Project," in which Doctor first shared his inspiring story. The project itself looks to capture and highlight the stories of Elder's in Brantford, Brant County + Six Nations. Tune in to learn more about this initiative from creator Marcia Pereira, while listening to an integral piece of history, from within this very community!

In celebration of June being Pride month, Belonging Brant sat down with community member Dr. Christine Wildman to chat about her research project taking place across Brantford and Brant County. This project captured 2SLGBTQ+ experiences of life and community during the COVID-19 Pandemic, through photovoice. Tune in to hear Christine and three of the projects research participants Mabe, Monica and Jean, as they discuss their own experiences, stories and so much more.

For more information on the project and where you can visit the pieces in-person, email Christine at: [email protected]

In anticipation of this year's ABCD (Asset Based Community Development) Symposium, Belonging Brant took to the streets of Brantford and Brant County to ask: what does growing mean to you?

With this year's theme being 'growing', we are preparing for the Symposium by capturing the voices and stories of those who are most important to this conversation: yours! Tune in to hear your own community members chat about what growing means to them, you might just hear some familiar voices. This podcast is an unedited, uncut real piece of community magic!

With March nearing it's end, it's time to highlight and reflect on this year's Women's History Month! Join Belonging Brant's Jenna as she hosts two forces for women empowerment from within the community: Jaycee's Non-Profit Homes and Brantford Period Pop Up! Tune in for stories on the creation of their projects, their plans for the future, and how you can help support the journey. As always, we chat about what belonging is, and the wonders we can do with a little bit of community empowerment.

Slow roll into today's podcast with new Belonging Brant member Jenna, as she hosts special guest: Stan Gorecki. As the owner of Heron Head Bikes, Stan knows his way around a bike, and around his community. Tune in as we chat about Stan's favorite Brantford stories, events, and initiatives, as well as the undeniable benefits of getting back on the bike. Who knew you could build a community through cycling? Stan did!

In this episode, Belonging Brant's Jaydene sits down with Paul, Keith and Robin from the East Ward Echo Place Neighbourhood Association. Listen in as they chat about all things foundational to a happy neighbourhood: supporting each other, creating safe spaces, community events.... Oh and the magic of outdoor ice rinks!

Interested in what a neighbourhood association does, and how you can join one? Grab your favourite cup of tea and tune in to some chatting friends!

In this episode of the Belonging Brant podcast, Jaydene interviews the host of Nomadic Walkers, Jason White. As someone who has lived in multiple cities, Jason talks about the importance of having a community, what he likes about Brantford, and how it felt to start his own community group in the city. Though Nomadic Walkers is no longer an active Belonging Brant group, Jason remains engaged and will be soon hosting his own art space in the library over the winter. He shares his perspective on what being a community builder brings into his life and how you can access the same fulfillment.

This month, Laurier BSW student Megan Salisbury hosts her first ever podcast. She put together an episode that features 17 community guests as they each read a page of Franklin’s Neighbourhood© by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark. The book has Franklin the Turtle© on a quest to draw a picture of what he likes best about his neighbourhood. In the end, he decides it is the people that make his neighbourhood great, and we at Belonging Brant agree! It is the people that create a sense of belonging and connection in neighbourhoods. This episode also features a brief interview with each guest, as Megan asks them the question “What about your neighbourhood makes you feel a childlike sense of wonder?”

Belonging Brant sits down with the Brantford Substance Users Network (BSUN) to talk about the overdose epidemic and how they are finding solutions as substance users for substance users. We talk about the importance of peer-to-peer networks, how a sense of belonging can make a world of difference to someone who is using, and how to end stigma in order to welcome in everyone in our community. Please give this episode a listen and carry naloxone.

This month, Jaydene - the newest Belonging Brant team member - hosts their first podcast episode! She sits down with Kirley, co-founder and owner of The Devil's Bench gaming hub, to discuss the "nerd-o-sphere" community, how gaming brings people together, and ways to get started on your imaginative journeys. Listen to the episode and get inspired to start making friends and playing games!