Learn With Lels

Carlos Castano, my brother-in-law, talks about preparing for a baby, what being a new dad has been like, and advice he has for soon-to-be parents.

My parents, Joe and Maria Jingco, talk about how they met, the obstacles they had to overcome throughout their relationship, how they’ve been able to stay so strong for so long, and the advice they have for other couples.

Krista Kolodziejzyk, a registered dietician and an old friend from McMaster University, talks about leaving her 9 to 5 to start her own wellness business and gives advice for staying healthy during quarantine.

Brianna Nelson, the founder of the Womxn of Colour Durham Collective, talks about how being a minority in Durham impacted her life and how she’s using her organization to create positive changes and community.

Molly Vaclav, a Toronto-based longboarder, talks about longboarding, creating an inclusive community of female longboarders, and empowering women to try new things.

Tracey Castano, my sister, talks about pregnancy, postpartum blues, and the ups and downs of being a new mom.

Oseko, a Courtice-/Toronto-based rapper and fellow Holy Trinity C.S.S. graduate, talks about how he’s dealt with doubts while pursuing his music career, his purpose, how he’s grown as a person, and, of course, his music.

Jennifer Swanson David, my cousin-in-law and First Nations communications expert, addresses racist misconceptions that people have toward Indigenous people and talks about her recent battle with breast cancer.

Merideth Kahn, my childhood dance teacher, talks super candidly about closing her dance studio, filing for bankruptcy, and coping with the loss of her 15-year business. She also talks about what she’s learned from that journey, self-awareness, and how she’s moving forward in work that feeds her soul.

My Auntie Connie Mariano—a former doctor in the White House, Navy Admiral, and doctor at the Center for Executive Medicine—chats with me about our family, her time at the White House, and her relationship with her late husband, John.