Sarah Pump shares the story that led her to start Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo.The University of Calgary’s Gabrielle Wilcox explores the relationship between academic success and mental health in children.  

Tracy Smith-Carrier, Canada Research Chair in Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, explores ideas she says are preventing society from addressing poverty. Malé Fofana of Bishop’s University and L’Université de Sherbrooke shares his love of languages, his experience living in three distinct French speaking environments, and some reflection on the idea of accentism – discrimination […]

Pamela Steen shares the details behind her Bling-A-Thon in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association, and we revisit a trio of our favourite conversations from the second half of the year.

In conversation with John McCormick, Don Bonner, and Andrew Thornton, of the Nanaimo Systems Planning Organization (SPO). The SPO began operations in April and is intended to coordinate the community’s response to homelessness.

In conversation with Dr. Kevin Patterson, and a visit to Coco Cafe in Cedar.

In conversation with Kelsie Kilawna, creator of a media kit designed to help communities in crisis, and Carmen Lavoie, Vancouver Island University professor, who discusses the school’s first ever end of life doula course, and the taboo around talking about death.  

Featuring speakers from a public hearing related to the establishment of an Island Health addiction treatment centre in Parksville, and a conversation around a new end of life guide from the BC Humanist Association.    

In conversation with Chrystal Toop, founder of Blackbird Medicines.

In conversation with death educator Susan Srigley. Remembering Jan Coleman, co-host of the first episode of People First Radio, who helped shepherd the show through its early years.

Tara Sidhoo Fraser shares her experience recovering from a stroke and the loss of her memories, as recounted in her memoir “When My Ghost Sings”. Health historian Matt Smith of The University of Strathclyde provides some insight on community mental health interventions from decades past.