Curious Conversations: A Podcast for Kids by Kids

Today on Curious Conversations, we take our microphones inside the historic armoury in Cambridge, Ontario to meet Lieutenant‑Colonel Jason from the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada. He tells us how he went from a twelve‑year‑old cadet to the highest‑ranked soldier in Waterloo Region, what a reservist actually is, and why his regiment is one year older than Canada itself.

We hear about his first summer of real army training (including shooting a gun for the first time and rappelling off a cliff), his deployment to Bosnia during Operation Palladium, and a powerful story about a woman pushing a wheelbarrow full of money just to buy one bag of groceries. Jason explains what daily life is like for part‑time soldiers, how teens in grade 11 can get started in the reserves, and why leadership, initiative, and appreciating what you have matter so much in and out of the military.

Kids will learn:

• What the Canadian Army Reserve is and how it’s different from full‑time soldiers
• How Canadian troops helped people in Bosnia after a civil war
• What it takes to become a leader in the military
• Why Canadian military history helps us understand who we are today

Links & Resources

Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada

Rockway Mennonite Collegiate 

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thanks for tuning in to Curious Conversations! We hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. Don't forget to stay connected with us on our website and Instagram for more exciting content. Also, make sure to hit that follow/subscribe button and leave us a rating to help us grow and reach more people like you. 

Enjoy another curious conversation for teens by teens!

Today, we have an insanely cool guest Krista DuChene, aka Canada’s Marathon Mom! She’s a Canadian Olympian, a Registered Dietitian, and one of the toughest runners out there.

And when we say tough, we mean it. She once finished a race with a broken leg. Yeah, you read that right! We had to hear the full story—what happened, why she kept running, and how she bounced back to crush even bigger goals (like making it to the Olympics!).

We also got into what it takes to train for a marathon, the best pre-race snacks (spoiler: bagels are involved 🥯), and why fueling your body the right way is so important. Plus, Krista tells us how she went from playing university hockey to becoming one of Canada’s best long-distance runners.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to push through pain, keep going when things get tough, or just want to know what marathon runners actually eat mid-race, this episode is for you!

Enjoy another curious conversation for teens by teens!

Links and Resources

Krista’s Instagram

CBC Sports

Team Canada

University of Guelph Hockey

Saucony

Podcast Recommendations

Chef Over Your Shoulder

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thanks for tuning in to Curious Conversations! We hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. Don't forget to stay connected with us on our website and Instagram for more exciting content. Also, make sure to hit that follow/subscribe button and leave us a rating to help us grow and reach more people like you. 

Enjoy another curious conversation for teens by teens!

In this episode, we sit down with Kattie Laur, a podcaster, podcast producer, and a well-known voice in the Canadian podcasting space. Kattie is also the author of Pod the North, a must-read newsletter that explores the Canadian podcast ecosystem, featuring interviews, podcast discoveries, and the latest industry news.

Kattie shares insightful stories, valuable advice, and her passion for podcasting, along with some of the challenges she’s faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, this episode is packed with great takeaways.

In This Episode, We Discuss:
 🎙 Kattie’s journey into podcasting and what inspired Pod the North
 📢 The state of Canadian podcasting and what makes it unique
 💡 Advice for new and aspiring podcasters
 🎧 Common challenges in podcasting and how to overcome them

Connect with Kattie Laur:

Website

Pod The North

Instagram

Podcasts mentioned in the episode:

Tech Won’t Save Us

Normal Gossip

Canardian

Rooked: The Cheaters' Gambit

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thanks for tuning in to Curious Conversations! We hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. Don't forget to stay connected with us on our website and Instagram for more exciting content. Also, make sure to hit that follow/subscribe button and leave us a rating to help us grow and reach more people like you. 

Enjoy another curious conversation for teens by teens!

In this episode of Curious Conversations, we’re joined by someone truly inspiring—Ben Fanelli. You might remember him as the former captain of the Kitchener Rangers or the OHL player who defied the odds, returning to the ice stronger than ever after a traumatic brain injury. 

But there’s so much more to Ben than just hockey.

Now a Registered Psychotherapist and the founder of Heroic Minds, Ben is changing the way we think about mental health. His message? Embrace the journey. We’re not just the sum of what happens to us—we’re the heroes of our own stories. 

This conversation is packed with wisdom for teenagers wondering what’s next after sports or other big commitments, insights into mental health, and tips for embracing life’s challenges as opportunities to grow. 

Oh, and yes, we got his Stanley Cup prediction too. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• 🧠 Overcoming Setbacks: Ben shares his experience with a life-changing brain injury and the lessons it taught him about resilience.
• 🤝 The Power of Community: How the people around us can make all the difference in recovery and growth.
• 🗣️ Talking Mental Health: Why open conversations about mental wellness are a game-changer.
• 🔄 Finding New Purpose: Moving beyond an identity tied to sports and discovering new passions.
• 🚀 Heroic Minds: Ben’s mission to make mental health support more accessible and his vision for a brighter future.
• 🏒 Advice for Athletes: Encouragement for young players facing injuries or big life transitions.
• 🌟 Embracing Change: Why challenges can be the key to unlocking new opportunities.

Why This Episode Matters:
Ben Fanelli’s story isn’t just about hockey—it’s about perseverance, growth, and finding strength in vulnerability. Whether you’re an athlete or just navigating the ups and downs of being a teenager, Ben’s insights will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on whatever comes next.

Resources:
Heroic Minds Website
Instagram
LinkedIn

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thanks for tuning in to Curious Conversations! We hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. Don't forget to stay connected with us on our website and Instagram for more exciting content. Also, make sure to hit that follow/subscribe button and leave us a rating to help us grow and reach more people like you. 

Enjoy another curious conversation for teens by teens!

What is a setback?

How do you know you are in one, and how do you get out of it?

Join us as we chat with Amy Shoenthal, a bestselling author, journalist, and marketing consultant for big names like Google. She is here to talk about her book, The Setback Cycle.

Amy breaks down what a setback really is, how to know when you're in one, and introduces us to her 4-step setback cycle —establish, embrace, explore, and emerge. We learn how to identify setbacks and work through the 4 phases by asking key questions like what energizes and disengages you.

Even though her book is mostly about business leaders and how their setbacks helped them succeed, Amy shares how teens can use these steps to tackle their own challenges, whether it's school stress, friendship issues, or other problems. Plus, she opens up about her journey of facing rejection after rejection before landing a publishing deal and becoming a bestselling author.

Amy shows us how we can all learn from our challenges and come out stronger on the other side. It was super inspiring to hear Amy's story and see how we can use her tips in our own lives!

Resources
Amy's Website
Amy's Instagram
Read the Book

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thanks for tuning in to Curious Conversations! We hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. Don't forget to stay connected with us on our website and Instagram for more exciting content. Also, make sure to hit that follow/subscribe button and leave us a rating to help us grow and reach more people like you. 

Enjoy another curious conversation for teens by teens!

Ever wondered how a background in counselling psychology can transform a personal trainer's approach to fitness?

Join us as we chat with Gabbie Lamm, a dynamic personal trainer and Lululemon ambassador who blends mental and physical wellness and resilience, which leads to empowering transformations, both inside and out.

Gabbie shares behind-the-scenes stories from her famous Fun Friday videos. How does she pick the Fun Friday challenges? Who at DEPTH is most willing to try the challenge each week? What have been some of the hardest challenges? Listen, and all your questions will be answered.

Whether you’re a young athlete or just looking to elevate your fitness game, this episode is packed with valuable advice and inspiration to help you succeed.

What You’ll Learn:

• Gabbie's journey from health science to counselling psychology and how it complements her approach to personal training.
• What it means to be a Lululemon ambassador and the rewarding experiences and community bonds that come with it.
• Practical tips for young athletes who are starting in the gym. 
• The importance of a positive internal monologue for athletic success.

Gabbie also shares resources that are available for teenagers if they feel like they need help or need someone to talk to.

Kids Help Phone
KW Counselling Services
Front Door
Psychology Today
Affordable Therapy Network

Connect with Gabbie:
Email: [email protected]
Instagram

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thanks for tuning in to Curious Conversations! We hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. Don't forget to stay connected with us on our website and Instagram for more exciting content. Also, make sure to hit that follow/subscribe button and leave us a rating to help us grow and reach more people like you. 

Enjoy another curious conversation for teens by teens!

Did you know bowling is an Olympic sport?

In this exciting episode, Constable John Burke joins us to share inspiring stories from the Special Olympics, giving us a peek into a world where determination and joy shine through. As we gear up for the Ontario Special Olympic Spring Games, we talk with Constable Burke about the incredible journey these athletes undertake, the different sports included in the Special Olympics, and the Waterloo Regional Police's involvement in this fantastic cause.

Special Olympics Spring Games
Hosted in Waterloo region
May 23-26, 2024

We also ask about what it's like to be a police officer. Constable Burke takes us behind the scenes of what it takes to become a police officer, discussing the rigorous journey of joining law enforcement and the critical role officers play in the community.

Get ready for an engaging conversation that highlights the inclusivity and joy that the Special Olympics bring to athletes, their families, and the community.

Resources
Special Olympics Website
Waterloo Regional Police Services
Waterloo Region Record Special Olympics Feature

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thanks for tuning in to Curious Conversations! We hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. Don't forget to stay connected with us on our website and Instagram for more exciting content. Also, make sure to hit that follow/subscribe button and leave us a rating to help us grow and reach more people like you. 

Enjoy another curious conversation for teens by teens!

Are you a fan of seafood?
 
Are you curious about the fascinating world of lobsters?

Then you definitely need to tune in to our latest podcast episode featuring Ron Caudle, the inspiring entrepreneur behind Caudle's Catch. Ron has been a successful and influential business leader in the Kitchener-Waterlo area for over 40 years.

Join us as Ron shares his decades of industry experience, taking us on a journey beyond just seafood. We'll hear about the innovative ways he's navigated the business world pre-social media, and how community connections have been crucial to his success. Plus, Ron tells us his favourite seafood recipes that are sure to make your taste buds dance!

Bake Ron's Easy Seafood Recipe

But it's not all about the food - Ron also has a passion for giving back to his community. From taking an icy plunge to support the Special Olympics to uplifting entire communities through his work with the Grand River Hospital Foundation, Ron shows us the power of giving back.

So, if you're interested in entrepreneurship, community engagement, and, of course, delicious seafood, be sure to listen to our chat with Ron Caudle. You won't want to miss it!

Resources
Caudle's Catch
Grand River Hospital Foundation
The Waterloo Region Record
Special Olympics
Ron's Rare Orange Lobster Story

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thanks for tuning in to Curious Conversations! We hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. Don't forget to stay connected with us on our website and Instagram for more exciting content. Also, make sure to hit that follow/subscribe button and leave us a rating to help us grow and reach more people like you. 

Enjoy another curious conversation for teens by teens!

Welcome!

We are thrilled to announce the start of a new season of Curious Conversations. 

For those of you who are new to our show, we are twins who just turned 14. We are about to finish Grade 8 and are looking forward to starting high school in the fall. We love playing sports, travelling, listening to music, and playing video games. 

We are still as curious as ever and can't wait to bring you a season filled with engaging discussions with people from all walks of life. 

Have you ever wondered what fuels an artist's creativity or an entrepreneur's drive? 

Well, wonder no more! We'll be interviewing the best of the best, including entrepreneurs, educators, athletes, artists and more. 

We are eager to learn about their passions and what inspires them. Who knows, our conversations might just inspire you to discover your own passions. 

We hope you'll join us on our journey.

Emma and Xavier

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thanks for tuning in to Curious Conversations! We hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. Don't forget to stay connected with us on our website and Instagram for more exciting content. Also, make sure to hit that follow/subscribe button and leave us a rating to help us grow and reach more people like you. 

Enjoy another curious conversation for teens by teens!

If you love hockey you won’t want to miss this episode. Today we talk with Laura McIntosh, owner of L.McIntosh Hockey School and head coach of the PWHPA’s Team Sonnet. Join us as we hear about Laura’s hockey experiences, from playing boys minor hockey to playing U18 and U22 for Team Canada and playing Division 1 hockey for Ohio State University. 

Laura retired as a player after winning the 2018-2019 Clarkson Cup and started coaching. Her passion now is to grow and develop female hockey players and she works with hockey players who are just starting out, professional players and all the players in between. Laura shares her stories of coaching and inspiring both young girls in minor hockey through her hockey school and professional hockey players as head coach of Team Sonnet. 

Click here to find more information about L.McIntosh Hockey School.

Here are some of the fun things we talked about in our conversation today and where you can find them in this episode.

11:17 - All about L.McIntosh Hockey School

12:50 - PWHPA and Team Sonnet

16:22 - Winning the Clarkson Cup

[email protected]

Twitter: @Curious_Convos

Instagram: @curious__convos

What did you think of today's episode? We want to hear from you!

Thanks for tuning in to Curious Conversations! We hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. Don't forget to stay connected with us on our website and Instagram for more exciting content. Also, make sure to hit that follow/subscribe button and leave us a rating to help us grow and reach more people like you. 

Enjoy another curious conversation for teens by teens!