This week I am speaking with someone who knows mental health, the many challenges that mental illness can present, and insight on solutions to supporting those in need. I am privileged to welcome Coast Mental Health CEO Keir Macdonald to the podcast, available early next week, as we recognize Mental Health Week.

Music by LiteSaturation from Pixabay.

As The Vancouver Sun and The Province close their physical newsrooms, I wonder where journalism is heading, and I hope that we don’t lose such a vital part of our society’s voice and the talented professionals who we need desperately.

Rachel's Indigenous Cultural and Land Acknowledgement

Music by The_Mountain from Pixabay

Sound Effect by GregorQuendel_SoundDesign from Pixabay

This week, senior Vancouver Sun reporter Lori Culbert will be joining me to talk about the state of journalism, her important story coverage, and more. It will be a timely and crucial connection that I am honoured to share with you all.

Just a Dog- a short personal piece on the loss of my best friend Bandit.

Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay

I have an eye-opening discussion with Whole Way House President and Co-Founder Jenny Konkin where I learned things about Vancouver’s more vulnerable residents, and ways in which this organization helps, that I never knew, even after a decade of working with Jenny. I became quite emotional as we dug into connection and community and how this can change someone’s life completely---even save it.

Music by RomanSenykMusic from Pixabay

On an upcoming episode, I will be speaking with the President and Co-Founder of a phenomenal local non-profit organization called Whole Way House. Jenny Konkin will join me to discuss vulnerable seniors and their needs, a topic not discussed enough, and the work that her organization does to bring connection to residents and make sure that no one feels alone.

Music by 21039285 from Pixabay

With extensive lived experience, Guy Felicella joins me for a conversation about his unbelievable journey, how he lives today, and where he hopes we are headed as BC battles a toxic drug health emergency that has been going on for years. Guy is an advisor, educator and advocate who provides his knowledge to schools, corporations, community groups, government, and others.

Guy shares stories and experiences that might make you second guess your thoughts and beliefs on substance use and what we must do to stop the thousands of preventable deaths---each one leaving so many broken hearts behind.

Tune in and share with everyone you know. We all have a responsibility to care for those who are the most vulnerable in our province.

Sound Effect from Pixabay

Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay