Neighbour Studio

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with acclaimed Canadian pianist Andrea Botticelli.

Known for her originality and sensitivity, Andrea performs on a wide range of keyboard instruments, from the fortepiano, clavichord, and harpsichord to the modern piano. Combining artistic expression with historical research, she has performed as both a soloist and chamber musician across Canada and internationally, including in England, France, Italy, Spain, and the United States.

Andrea also shares details about the upcoming Céleste Music Early Keyboard Festival, an immersive event that transforms the gallery into a living exhibition of sound. Featuring professional concerts, engaging lectures, and student performances, the festival offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience the rich history and distinctive voices of historical keyboard instruments.

At the heart of the festival are five thoughtfully curated public concerts showcasing Céleste Music’s extraordinary collection, performed by internationally recognized artists and experts in historical performance.

Check out the festival right here: https://www.celestemusic.org/festival2026

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with David Silverman and Aleli Gulak to discuss the Richmond Hill Mentoring Plus Strategy.

Created as part of Richmond Hill’s Age-Friendly Strategy, this initiative connects retired and near-retired adults aged 55+ with individuals and businesses seeking guidance, mentorship, and support. By drawing on the experience, knowledge, and skills of older adults, the program helps foster personal growth, career exploration, and economic development while encouraging civic participation and reducing social isolation.

David and Aleli share how the program is creating meaningful volunteer opportunities and strengthening the community by making Richmond Hill a more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming place for people of all ages and abilities.

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Absane "Abbie" Ibrahim, Founder and Executive Director of the Dare to Rise Foundation, a women-led non-profit based in York Region, Ontario.

With over two decades of experience in community leadership, Abbie shares her work supporting single mothers, youth, and families through advocacy, mental health support, and access to community resources. The conversation explores the importance of social justice, empowerment, and building strong support systems at the local level.

Abbie also reflects on what inspired her to create Dare to Rise and how community-driven initiatives can create meaningful, lasting impact for those who need it most.

In this episode of Ancestral Voices: We Belong, host Kim Wheatley sits down with Jessica McKenzie, the inaugural Miss Indigenous Canada, to reflect on her journey, experiences, and the legacy she built during her reign.

Together, they explore the purpose behind the Miss Indigenous Canada role, one that differs from traditional pageants by focusing on community, culture, and connection rather than appearance. Jessica shares how the platform creates space for Indigenous voices, celebrates identity, and fosters meaningful relationships across communities.

The conversation highlights the importance of representation, leadership, and empowering the next generation to stay connected to culture while shaping their own paths forward.

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Myles Dininio, a 40-year-old from Mount Albert, Ontario who is taking on an extraordinary challenge, running approximately 8,000 km across Canada.

His journey, Myles Across Canada, began in Newfoundland and is making its way toward Vancouver, all in support of mental health awareness and fundraising for the CAMH Foundation.

Myles shares what inspired him to take on this cross-country run, the physical and mental challenges along the way, and the importance of supporting mental health initiatives. The conversation highlights resilience, purpose, and how one individual can spark meaningful change across communities nationwide.

In this episode of Ancestral Voices: We Belong, host Kim Wheatley sits down with Indigenous entrepreneur Alexandria Bipatna, founder of The Wholesome Conscious.

Alexandria, who introduces herself by her traditional name Starwoman, shares her journey as an Anishinaabe (Ojibway) woman from Shawanaga First Nation, along with her Guyanese heritage. She reflects on identity, family, and the influence of her father’s journey to Canada in the 1970s.

The conversation explores her path as an entrepreneur in holistic nutrition and culinary arts, and how culture, tradition, and wellness intersect in her work. Through storytelling and lived experience, Alexandria speaks to the importance of reconnecting with food, community, and ancestral knowledge.

This episode is a powerful reflection on identity, healing, and the role of food as both nourishment and cultural expression.

Kim is back with another episode of Ancestral Voices! This time, she’s joined by her good friend, Justin “Jahkota” Holness. Tune in as these two catch up, share stories, and dive deep into meaningful conversations — all while keeping it light, fun, and full of laughter. You won’t want to miss this heartfelt exchange on Ancestral Voices.

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Mike Smith, co-founder of the Newmarket/Aurora chapter of 100 Men Who Give a Damn!.

Launched in 2016, the group brings men together on a quarterly basis to support local charities through a simple but powerful model, giving back with minimal time commitment and maximum impact. Since its inception, the organization has raised thousands of dollars for community initiatives across Newmarket and Aurora.

Mike shares how the idea came to life, the impact it has had on local organizations, and why community-driven giving continues to matter. The conversation highlights how small commitments can lead to meaningful change, and how anyone can play a role in strengthening their community. 

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Umair Malik, owner of Equation Hub, a math tutoring centre dedicated to helping students build confidence and succeed.

Umair shares his approach to teaching math in a way that’s clear, engaging, and tailored to each student’s needs. The conversation explores the importance of strong foundational skills, overcoming math anxiety, and how the right support can change a student’s entire academic trajectory.

Focused on students in Aurora and surrounding communities, Equation Hub is helping young learners not only improve their grades, but develop lasting confidence in their abilities.

In this episode of Ancestral Voices: We Belong, host Kim Wheatley sits down with Jesse Wente, a storyteller, broadcaster, and longtime advocate for Indigenous rights.

Born and raised in Toronto, Jesse shares his journey as a writer and speaker, and reflects on his identity as a member of the Serpent River First Nation and Bear Clan. With family roots in Chicago and Genaabaajing Anishinaabek, his perspective is grounded in both community and lived experience.

The conversation explores the power of storytelling, representation in media, and the role of Indigenous voices in shaping culture and understanding. Drawing from his work with CBC, Jesse speaks to the importance of advocacy, truth, and creating space for authentic narratives.

Through insight and reflection, this episode highlights how storytelling can connect generations, preserve culture, and help us better understand what it truly means to belong.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesse.wente/