The most dangerous thing is that which you cannot see because it is often too common, like discrimination.

My guest today is author Lemlem Adenech Handome, whose book I Am A Woman Born Of A Woman both celebrates the strength and resilience of the women on whom she has based her name, but takes a critical eye toward systemic and non-obvious sexism, with the goal of making it visible and defeatable. She talks about her own realizations when growing up, her passion to build on the legacy of her mother, and the issues that are still felt today.

The author will be having a book launch on July 23 at the Fredericton Public Library. More details can be found on the EventBrite listing.

The post Interview: Lemlem Adanech Handome (“I Am A Woman Born Of A Woman”) appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

When a person is lost, their impact can be celebrated in the art — and memories — they left behind.

My guest today is Lori Quick, the Exhibitions & Communications Coordinator at the UNB Centre for Learning Futures and the UNB Art Centre. She has spearheaded an exhibition of the works of beloved Fredericton artist and artist supporter, Biff Mitchell, who was unexpectedly lost some time ago. She discusses her memories of Biff and his work, the building of the exhibition, and the special evening of presentation, music and memories planned to be at the UNB Art Centre.

The exhibition in Biff Mitchell’s memory, Silence Says it All runs until June 5th at the UNB Art Centre.

The Celebration of the Life of Biff Mitchell, hosted by the UNB Art Centre, will be held on June 5th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., in the Memorial Hall Auditorium on the UNB Fredericton Campus. This will be a time to celebrate the joy, humour, love, and gratitude we still hold because of Biff’s presence as well as collectively work through how deeply his absence is felt within the community. We will share readings, musical performances, memories, and expressions of love and appreciation for Biff in an interactive art guestbook.

To preserve Biff’s creative legacy, The Biff Mitchell Memorial Collective’s goal is that Biff’s papers, books, and digital ephemera will be housed at UNB Libraries Archives & Special Collections in Fredericton. This archive will be dedicated to preserving the life’s work of this remarkable author for future generations. By donating a book, you will ensure that Biff’s writing will continue to shape conversations, spark readers, researchers, and inspire aspiring writers who will benefit from access to his words and ideas. Together, we can honour Biff, celebrate his imagination, and invest in his legacy – one book at a time.

The link below will take you to the gift registry to select a copy to donate.
Biff Mitchell Legacy Archive Adopt A Book Drive

The post Interview: Lori Quick (Remembering Biff Mitchell) appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

If we really want to know each other, why don’t we just ask?

My guest today is Fae Johnstone, an advocate for queer issues and is travelling across the country along with Victoria Bucholtz for the Trans Canada Tour. With over 60 events planned, they hope to provide a platform for the curious and the concerned to ask questions in a friendly environment, including gatherings such as “Ask a Trans Person Anything”. We spoke about the work being done, the expectations and hopes, and the planned activities.

The Trans Canada Tour stopped by in Fredericton on May 26, and we hope to catch up with them after they’ve experienced the country.

The post Interview: Fae Johnstone (Trans Canada Tour) appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

If you know or find anything that might lead to the discovery of Michael Keetch, please contact the RCMP.

My guest today is Anita Fougere, whose brother, Michael Keetch, went missing over a year ago. Clues have been found, but they lead to more questions than answers. Anita joins me to talk about her brother and what is known so far.

A ground-search is being conducted on the weekend of May 30, and if necessary, future ground searches are being planned. Visit facebook.com/WhereIsMike to contribute or if you find any information.

The post Interview: Looking For Michael Keetch appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

The arts community lost a legendary figure in the past few years in Biff Mitchell, a photographer, writer and multidisciplinary artist — as well as a champion of the arts and the artists who make them.

My guest today is Deanna Musgrave, one of Biff’s friends and a painter who’s portrait of Biff will be part of an upcoming celebration of Biff’s legacy. She joins me to remember Biff, talk about how the portrait was constructed, and many more tales of his work and impact.

The JL Biff Mitchell Creative Education Bursary mentioned is open to emerging artists in New Brunswick who are creating in photographs, writing, and/or pencil drawing. The deadline is coming up on May 10th of this year. Look for the bursary on the Jane Leblanc Legacy Fund website.

An exhibition called Silence Says it All in Biff Mitchell’s memory opens on May 8 at the UNB Art Centre and runs until June 5th. Deanna’s beautiful memorial portrait of Biff, “Biffy”, will be on display at the same time as the display of Biff’s works.

In addition to the exhibition, there will be a Celebration of the Life of Biff Mitchell Ceremony on the closing day of the Exhibition: June 5, 7-9 pm.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: Remembering Biff Mitchell appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

Would you ever give your heart away? No really: actually give your heart away?

My guest today is Naga Abhinav Sujal Kamireddy ( “Abhi”), the director of Theatre UNB’s upcoming presentation of With Love and a Major Organ by Julia Lederer. He joins me to talk about his debut opportunity to direct a play, how the play is open to interpretation and working with the team that made this production possible.

With Love and a Major Organ opens on February 25, and runs nightly at 7:30pm until February 27. They are running a contest for tickets, so if interested, visit the Theatre UNB Facebook page.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: Theatre UNB presents “With Love and a Major Organ” appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

It can be difficult to truly know what’s going on inside of restrictive regimes, so a personal account helps.

My guest today is Melika, an Iranian-born student who is trying to raise awareness about the size of protests against the religious government in Iran, and the degree of terrible response to them. We talk about growing up in the area, the hardship of living there now, and what changes are hoped for.

Local Iranian people and allies held a rally and protest on Friday, January 23 to try to further increase awareness and support for the peoples of Iran.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: Melika (Iran) appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

It is always good when art, culture and queerness is able to celebrate in full effect.

My guests today are Alex Rioux (organizer) and Keri Fulton (host, performer), part of the upcoming event, The Big Gay Cabaret. We chat about what variety of acts can be expected, the origin and growth of the event, and how important it is to have strong visibility for LGBTQ+ people in the community.

The Big Gay Cabaret is set to happen on February 21st at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre. While the tickets have already (!) been sold out, there is a waiting list available on their website.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: The Big Gay Cabaret 2026 appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

The juxtaposition of matter and thought produces art with impact.

My guest today is photographer and artist Gary Weekes, whose new exhibit, Trayces, is featured at the UNB Art Centre Galleries as part of the Black History Month exhibition. He joins me to talk about the unusual form of this art, what inspired him to work in this way, and what this art means to him.

NOTE: this interview contains frank details about some of the disturbing elements of historical abuse which impacted the artist’s process. Some discretion should be exercised.

Trayces, along with the return of the Rediscovering the Roots of Black New Brunswickers exhibit, are opening on January 23 at 5pm, and will be on display in the UNB Arts Centre Gallery until March 27.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: Gary Weekes (“Trayces”) appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.

Sometimes, rediscovering the truth behind history’s rumours leads to an entirely new adventure.

My guest today is Laura Richard, one of the founders and the roastmaster of local company Saltwinds Coffee. She tells me the story of the last three years, from having curiosity at a local legend to developing a company with international sales, to going before the Dragon’s Den to pitch.

Saltwinds Coffee will be seen on the upcoming January 22 episode of The Dragon’s Den.

Find Saltwinds Coffee at their website, or on local grocery store shelves.

The post The Lunchbox Interview: Laura Richard (Saltwinds Coffee) appeared first on CHSR-FM 97.9.