(w)healthy

As the year draws to a close, join Shauna Nyrose and Allison Young, CEO of the KGH Foundation, for a bite-sized holiday conversation that looks back on 2024. In this reflective episode, Allison shares the standout moments and milestones that defined the past year in health care and philanthropy, and what she’s most grateful for as we look ahead. From community triumphs to the power of generosity, this heartfelt conversation is a reminder that giving truly changes everything. 

Pour a cup of something warm and take 20 minutes for a gratitude check — because sometimes, the smallest moments make the biggest difference. 

In this episode of the w(healthy) podcast, host Shauna Nyrose sits down with Danielle Nobel-Brandt to explore how the environments we live in profoundly impact our health, longevity, and overall well-being. From the role of urban planning to the social determinants of health, Danielle unpacks how the design of our cities affects everything from physical health to mental wellness. She passionately advocates for choice, equity, and the power of thoughtfully built environments to create healthier, more vibrant communities. Discover how your neighborhood might be influencing your health — and what it means to shape cities that offer everyone a fair chance at well-being. 

In this inspiring episode of the (w)healthy podcast, we sit down with Ginny Becker, the Executive Director of the Children and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) in Kelowna. Known for her transformative leadership and ability to authentically push boundaries, Ginny is a driving force for system change in the region. She shares her insights on what it means to inspire action in others, proving that even small efforts can create a ripple effect of meaningful change. 

Ginny also offers a glimpse into the impactful work of the CYAC, which provides vital advocacy and support for children and youth navigating challenging circumstances. With a refreshing blend of determination and compassion, she reflects on the personal values and energy that fuel her ability to tackle difficult work with kindness and unwavering resolve. 

Whether you're a community advocate, a leader, or simply looking for inspiration to make a difference, this episode will leave you energized to use your own superpowers for good. 

Notes: If you’d like to participate in the quick #notinmycity course Ginny refers to in this episode, or to find more information on how to spot human trafficing, please visit cyackelowna.com/not-in-my-city/

In this compelling episode, Shauna is joined by Jaymi Chernoff, Executive Director of Quality and Patient Safety at Interior Health, who joined Kelowna General Hospital as Executive Director on the very day the world shut down due to COVID-19. With a unique perspective on the unprecedented challenges that unfolded, Jaymi pulls back the curtain on what health care teams faced—and overcame—behind the scenes. She speaks candidly about the resilience and human connection that fueled health care workers through the darkest days of the pandemic, as well as the often-overlooked innovation that emerged from crisis. 

Jaymi also shares her belief that the pandemic stifled idea generation, creating a lasting need for spaces that encourage bold, innovative thinking. In a time when health care is at a crossroads, she explains why it’s crucial to reset the approach and allow professionals the freedom to think differently, reinvent processes, and forge a new path forward. 

Join us for an inspiring discussion on resilience, reinvention, and how a post-pandemic health care system can emerge stronger than ever. 

Shauna sits down with Jeff Cox, Co-Founder of Simply Benefits, for an insightful dive into Canada’s health care system and the ‘benefits’ available. Jeff uncovers what’s really behind the benefits we rely on—and who they’re truly designed to serve. 

Jeff breaks down the essentials, beginning with how Canada’s universal health care system operates, where private funding fits in, and the crucial role employer-provided benefits play. You’ll gain clarity on the process behind drug premiums, how MSP premiums are structured, and how drug coverage really works. Jeff also shares why employers are so invested in keeping their employees healthy and how this impacts the benefits packages they offer. Tune in for a fresh perspective on navigating health care funding in Canada, with insights that will empower YOU to make the most of your benefits. 

Bonus content: If you’re looking for a list of resources from industry-leading sources for Canadian group employee benefits & health insurance, HR, and corporate health & wellness information visit  www.simplybenefits.ca/en-ca/industry-information 

In this episode of the (w)healthy podcast, we ask a question that stirs much debate: Does sugar cause cancer? Registered dietitian and intuitive eating advocate Erin Wile unpacks the myths surrounding sugar, exposes the pitfalls of fad diets, and explains how media messaging can mislead us about what truly supports our health. Erin discusses the power of food to nourish without restriction, sharing her expertise on how we can tune into our bodies’ natural cues rather than succumbing to the latest fads. 

As a strong advocate for intuitive eating, Erin emphasizes how we can approach food in a way that’s both joyful and beneficial for our overall well-being. She also talks about Inspire Health, an organization she is part of, that supports cancer patients with compassionate, science-backed guidance and support. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that cuts through the noise of diet culture, offering clarity, empowerment, and a path toward truly supportive food choices. 

Bonus content: Curious about Inspire Health and what they can offer on your cancer journey? Check them out here -> https://inspirehealth.ca/ 

As a nurse, she was tired of waiting for change for Indigenous patients, but now she’s transforming care for equity-seeking communities, including newcomers to Canada, Indigenous peoples, and soon, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. In this episode of (w)healthy, we connect with Renée Gauthier, Executive Director of the Rutland Community Clinic.  

Discover how the new clinic is revolutionizing access to holistic health care for underserved populations with a special focus on empowering women's health and supporting youth mental health. We delve into the importance of multiculturalism in the workplace, the power of feedback loops, and the need to build meaningful relationships with local Indigenous communities.  

Join us to hear one woman's journey from caregiver burnout to leading a community-driven initiative that’s reshaping the way care is delivered! 

Learn more about the Rutland Community Clinic at www.rutlandcommunityclinic.ca. 

In a time where contradictory advice and type 2 diabetes are on the rise, Registered Dietician Kristy Hodgins shares some effective and sustainable dietary changes to help you fuel your body to feel your very best. In this episode of (w)healthy, we explore fad diets, sustainable lifestyle changes for weight loss, and how nutrition impacts your long-term health.  

Hear from the Wellness Dietician herself on what makes a poor diet, how you can regulate your insulin levels, and how your nutrition needs change throughout your lifespan. Tune in to hear how our diet impacts our overall wellbeing. 

View Kristy’s website at www.thewellnessdietitian.ca. 

In this not to be missed episode of (w)healthy, James brings vulnerability to the table and shares his personal experience in a mental institution, battles with addiction, bi-polar condition, and dark periods. We sit down for a real, honest, and inspiring conversation with Men’s Mental Health Advocate James Addington.

Hear how he’s fostering a culture of mental wellness in his businesses, how he’s challenging gender norms, how he’s sparking much needed conversations around mental health, and what strategies he uses to feel his very best mentally. From happiness and ice cream to suicide, we delve deep into the high and lows of being human.

Read James full think piece Modern Man: A feminine man in a masculine world at www.jacexperiences.com/the-modern-man/Blog%20Post%20Title%20One-gh5tc.