BETTER presents: Make Food Food Again

Your host, Mark Brand, sits down with revolutionary journalist and author Michael Sheik, whose work shines a light on conflict, human rights, and the power of food in preserving culture and building resilience.

From facing life-threatening situations in Afghanistan to uncovering stories of genocide and survival, Michael’s journey is an inspiring testament to the role food plays in connecting us to our roots, telling untold stories, and fostering hope even in the most challenging times. In a world grappling with displacement, injustice, and changing identities, this conversation explores how culinary heritage can be both a form of resistance and a bridge to empathy. We discuss:

• How food serves as a lens for understanding conflict and resilience
• The impact of family history, migration, and trauma on personal and cultural identity
• Why preserving food traditions is vital for refugee and displaced communities
• Distinguishing between food security and food sovereignty, and why it matters
• The challenges and power of storytelling when holding perpetrators accountable
• The healing, hope, and agency that come from sharing meals and recipes across generations

This episode is for anyone who believes that culture endures through the recipes we share, the stories we tell, and the communities we nurture.

This podcast is proudly supported by East Coast Credit Union.

At East Coast Credit Union, we’re proud to support community voices and meaningful conversations. The thoughts and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of East Coast Credit Union.

In this reflective episode, host Mark Brand and producer Madison dive deep and reflect on their powerful conversation with investigative journalist, writer, and advocate Michael Shaikh.

Together, Mark and Madison discuss the ongoing refugee crisis, exploring how displacement threatens language, customs, and generational identity. Drawing from Michael’s frontline experiences, they highlight stories of preserving cultural heritage amidst adversity, and the courage it takes to hold powerful institutions accountable. The discussion broadens to examine how social media shapes our awareness and behaviours, especially among younger generations, and stresses the importance of kindness, resilience, and finding common ground.

Mark and Madison also share personal insights on community building, food security, and the need for presence and authenticity in real-world connections. Their reflections underscore the value of standing together, mentoring others, and using both technology and storytelling as tools for positive change.

This podcast is proudly supported by East Coast Credit Union.

At East Coast Credit Union, we’re proud to support community voices and meaningful conversations. The thoughts and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of East Coast Credit Union.

Your host, Mark Brand sits down with Benjamin McBride (BJ) and Michelle Monterrosa, advocates behind the 1-800 Happy Birthday project: whose work is transforming how we remember, honour, and heal in the face of tragedy.

From personal heartbreak to sparking national conversations, our guests’ journeys are a testament to the power of community, storytelling, and resilience. In a world that often overlooks the deep human toll of violence, this conversation is a reminder that true change begins with remembering those we’ve lost and lifting each other up. We discuss:

• Why honouring victims’ stories, and remembering names can be a way to healing
• How art, creative memorials, and public installations create opportunities for collective grief and hope
• The importance of grassroots advocacy, community action, and building safe spaces for support and truth-telling
• How vulnerability and compassion can help transform trauma into new visions for justice and reform
• The role of family, community leaders, and cross-generational mentorship in sustaining movements for change

This episode is for anyone who believes that justice is more than headlines, it’s about memory, love, and rewriting the narrative together.

This podcast is proudly supported by East Coast Credit Union. 

At East Coast Credit Union, we’re proud to support community voices and meaningful conversations. The thoughts and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of East Coast Credit Union.

In this special discussion, host Mark Brand and producer Madi, reflect on their conversation with 1 800 Happy Birthday's advocate and special guest.

Mark and Madi discuss how personal and collective trauma can fuel meaningful advocacy and systemic change. They reflect on powerful examples of activism, emphasizing the importance of community support, mentorship, and empowering younger generations. This conversation highlights real-life stories of moving from grief to action, focusing on prevention, education, and resilience. Together, they chat about the impact of sharing knowledge and the value of thoughtful mentorship in effecting change.

This podcast is proudly supported by East Coast Credit Union.

At East Coast Credit Union, we’re proud to support community voices and meaningful conversations. The thoughts and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of East Coast Credit Union.

We sit down with a leader whose work is transforming how we think about wealth, community, and the true meaning of success: Ken Shea, President and CEO of East Coast Credit Union.

From humble beginnings to guiding one of the region’s most community-focused financial institutions, our guest’s journey is a testament to the power of building significance, not just success. In a world that often celebrates individual achievement, this conversation is a reminder that the greatest impact comes from lifting others and investing in the places we call home. We discuss:

• Why true wealth is measured by the strength of our communities, not just our bank accounts

• How purpose-driven banking can create opportunities and resilience where it’s needed most

• The importance of partnerships, trust, and showing up for one another

• The difference between shareholder and stakeholder values—and why it matters

• How to turn compassion into action and make a lasting difference

• The role of transparency, accountability, and B Corp certification in building trust

This episode is for anyone who believes that success is about more than numbers—it’s about the lives we touch and the legacies we leave.

This podcast is proudly supported by East Coast Credit Union. 

At East Coast Credit Union, we’re proud to support community voices and meaningful conversations. The thoughts and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of East Coast Credit Union.

Before we sit down with Ken Shea, President and CEO of East Coast Credit Union, we’re taking a moment to reflect on why this conversation matters.

In this special prequel episode, host Mark Brand and producer Madi share what drew them to the story of credit unions, and why community banking is more than just financial transactions — it’s a roadmap to resilience, empowerment, and real local impact.

This episode sets the table.

This podcast is proudly supported by East Coast Credit Union.

At East Coast Credit Union, we’re proud to support community voices and meaningful conversations. The thoughts and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of East Coast Credit Union.

We sit down with Chef Sean Sherman, also known as The Sioux Chef whose work is transforming how we think about food, land, identity, and justice. Raised on Pine Ridge Reservation, Sean realized early in his culinary career that he could name a hundred European recipes, but barely any from his own Lakota heritage. That realization sparked a movement. We discuss:

• Why food is a language that connects, heals, and resists
• How Indigenous knowledge holds answers to climate, health, and equity crises
• Reclaiming food systems through plant diversity, ancestral wisdom, and education
• The balance of hope and resistance in a world of chaos
• How to be a respectful ally in Indigenous food movements
  
  

Sean’s next cookbook Turtle Island launches this November. Explore his 170+ videos on foraging, plant medicine, Indigenous cooking, and decolonizing food systems at: thesiouxchef.com Follow Sean: @siouxchef

This podcast is proudly supported by East Coast Credit Union. 

At East Coast Credit Union, we’re proud to support community voices and meaningful conversations. The thoughts and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of East Coast Credit Union.

Before we sit down with Chef Sean Sherman the visionary known as The Sioux Chef, we’re taking a moment to reflect on why this conversation matters.

In this special prequel episode, Mark Brand and producer Madi share what drew them to Sean’s story, and why Indigenous food systems are more than just recipes — they’re a roadmap to justice, resilience, and reconnection. 

This episode sets the table. 

This podcast is proudly supported by East Coast Credit Union. 

At East Coast Credit Union, we’re proud to support community voices and meaningful conversations. The thoughts and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of East Coast Credit Union.

 

Nadya Hutagalung is today’s guest, a media icon turned global changemaker. Once a beloved MTV Asia VJ, Nadya has since become a UN-recognized environmental activist, leading a powerful campaign that helped reduce the ivory trade across Asia.

Her work directly influenced a change in Thai legislation around ivory sales, and her journey is as personal as it is political, navigating threats, health battles, and depression to stay committed to her mission. Nadya’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and using your voice for real impact.

 

Find out more about Nadya Hutagalung and her advocacy work on her website: [insert URL]
Follow her journey and activism on Instagram: [insert Instagram handle]

 

This podcast is proudly supported by East Coast Credit Union. 

At East Coast Credit Union, we’re proud to support community voices and meaningful conversations. The thoughts and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of East Coast Credit Union.

Buckle up for an electrifying episode of Better that will transform how you see celebrity activism forever! 

In this special prequel episode, Mark Brand and producer Madi share the extraordinary story of Nadya Hutugalang - a former MTV Asia superstar who traded Hollywood glamour for global impact. Imagine going from hosting a top modeling competition to standing toe-to-toe with UN officials and confronting dangerous ivory trade cartels. This isn't just another celebrity story; this is a masterclass in using your platform to change the world.

This podcast is proudly supported by East Coast Credit Union. 

At East Coast Credit Union, we’re proud to support community voices and meaningful conversations. The thoughts and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of East Coast Credit Union.