The Places Between: Recent Episodes
Boldt Communications Inc.
The Places Between is Lesli Boldt's new pod is about the people and places between the time before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the future we’d like to create as we navigate out of this crisis.
You won’t find any doom and gloom here! Two or three times a week, we'll talk to friends, family, colleagues and people we admire about the cool stuff they’re doing to get through this crisis, whether it’s a lot of bread baking, providing leadership through these tough times, keeping fit, changing business models to keep their businesses going, the music people are listening to right now, and much more.
In our new episode, Lesli speaks with Dr. Alyson Kelvin, an Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University and an active member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on SARS-CoV-2 vaccine design. She is currently working in Saskatoon with VIDO-InterVac to aid in the evaluation and development of COVID-19 vaccines for Canada. Dr. Kelvin answers many of your questions about COVID-19 vaccines - and some you may not have thought of. We talk about how vaccines work, building vaccine development capacity in Canada, how vaccine effectiveness is measured, the equitable distribution of vaccines, and much more. (Note: this episode was recorded on November 24, 2020.)
For more information on Dr. Kelvin, visit https://www.akelvinlab.com or follower her on Twitter at @akelvinlab.
Theme music: Happy Monday by Kevin McLeod.
Business operations expert Hillary Samson joins the pod to talk about how businesses have had to pivot and adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic. We talk about how businesses are staying open in difficult economic times by using the skills they already have to offer new products and services that are currently in demand, and be of service to our communities at the same time. We also chat about the awkward necessity of business development in the pandemic, moving your business online, taking this time to plan for the future of your business - both during and after the pandemic.
To contact Hillary about how to adapt your business during the pandemic, visit Samson Consulting at https://www.samsonconsulting.ca/
If you'd like to donate to Aisle to help them make masks for Downtown Eastside front-line workers, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fabric-masks-for-frontline-workers-in-the-dtes
And for info about the B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program that Hillary mentioned, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/agri-business-planning-program
Theme song: Cheery Monday by Kevin McLeod
Bowinn Ma - MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale and Parliamentary Secretary for TransLink - joins the podcast to talk about transportation in the pandemic, and the work that's being done to encourage people to return to transit (including encouraging all passengers to wear a non-medical mask). We also talk about increasing mode shifts during the pandemic, including more walking and cycling. Bowinn is also a member of the all-party committee that's been appointed to review BC's outdated Police Act in BC - we talk about how this review will seek to tackle the systemic racism present in many public institutions, including BC's police forces.
Maria Dobrinskaya, BC Director of the Broadbent Institute and co-host (with Lesli) of the feminist political podcast, Call the Question, joins The Places Between to talk about BC and Canadian politics in the pandemic: how a global anti-racism movement is taking white supremacy head on (and is challenging us as white people to look inward to understand how we perpetuate these systems of oppression), how the federal and BC political parties are handling the COVID-19 crisis, and the critical public policy issues that need to be addressed as the BC and Canadian economies take their first, tentative steps towards recovery.
Community organizer Markiel Simpson joins the pod to talk about the year the past few months have been, as global Black Lives Matter and anti-racism movements are demanding action on systemic racism and white supremacy...in real time. Markiel talks about how ongoing efforts to oppose hate crimes against Black students in Vancouver schools, and to introduce Black history in Canada into BC schools, have quickly gone from the bottom to the top of the public policy agenda in BC during the pandemic. He also talks about his work with the BC Community Alliance, and the role of police liaison officer in schools, how young people engaging in politics (many for the first time), and how each one of us can be part of the change by making our voices heard.
You can sign the BC Community Alliance's petition demanding action on anti-Black racism in BC schools here: https://www.bccommunityalliance.com/anti-black-racism-petition/
As News Director of NEWS 1130, Charmaine leads one of Canada’s largest local newsrooms. She's also a community leader who has spent her career challenging norms in media. Charmaine joins the pod for a nuanced and thoughtful discussion on one of the most talked-about topics in Canadian media today: systemic racism in media. We talk about the current reckoning happening in Canadian media, how the principle of "balance" has become problematic in the Trump era, and how racial bias impacts who's hired in newsrooms and the stories that journalists tell. We also talk about the importance of leadership in media in making lasting change, and how to create a newsroom culture where it's safe to question, challenge and change age-old assumptions and norms.
When schools were closed after spring break due to COVID-19, no one knew when - or if - kids would get back in the classroom again during the pandemic. But in BC in June 2020, they did - for the last month of the school year. As we look ahead to reopening BC schools again in the fall, we hear from Victoria-based school teachers Colin Boldt and Natalie Robinson, who joined the pod in early June to talk about what it was like to go back to school on June 1. Nat and Colin walked us through how they prepared to get back to school, the changes they made to their classroom and library layouts, and how much the connection of returning to their school meant to their kids (and to teachers).
Since the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, photographer Joshua Berson has had his camera out, documenting this historic time and keeping a record, in images, of their extraordinary time that we're living in. His images of empty streets, paramedics, front-line workers and even Dr. Bonnie Henry, capture powerful moments in our journey, as we all grappled with the new world we were living in. On this pod, we talk about why documenting this period is so important to him, and the power of photography and images to tell stories, when words are not enough.
Find more of Josh's work on Twitter and Instagram @bersonphoto, or visit his website at www.bersonphoto.com. You can view some of Josh's work during the COVID-19 pandemic here:
https://thetyee.ca/News/2020/05/26/SisterSquare-DTES-Popup-Refuge/
https://thetyee.ca/News/2020/04/14/Photo-Essay-On-Paramedics-Reality-During-COVID-19/
https://thetyee.ca/Culture/2020/04/27/On-Vancouver-Walls-Signs-Of-The-Times/
Theme music: Cheery Monday by Kevin McLeod
New Westminster City Councillor and consultant Nadine Nakawaga joins the pod to talk about the current global movement to remove statues of colonial and historical figures that for many, represent their harmful actions in the past. Nadine was one of two city councillors in New Westminster who brought forward a motion to have a statue of Judge Michael Begbie removed from outside the Provincial Law Courts in her city. Nadine’s motion was approved by her Council, and that statue was removed in July of 2019. We talk about why - in the midst of a global pandemic - people around the world are supporting the removal of these monuments to injustice...and reclaiming different versions of history in the process.
For more on this topic, I recommend this opinion piece from poet Caroline Randall Williams on the subject of Confederate monuments in the US: You Want a Confederate Monument? My Body Is a Confederate Monument: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/26/opinion/confederate-monuments-racism.html?smid=tw-share
Theme song: Cheery Monday by Kevin McLeod
Canada's former Minister of Justice and Attorney General - and current independent Member of Parliament for Vancouver-Granville - Jody Wilson-Raybould shares how she's had to adapt the way she serves her constituents in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jody reflects on the global demonstrations against systemic racism and discrimination, and the actions people in Canada and around the world are taking to demand meaningful and lasting change. She gives her perspectives on how the governments of BC and Canada have responded to the pandemic, what's top of mind for her as BC transitions into Phase II of pandemic recovery, and what a 'just recovery' and better future for Canada might look like.
Theme music: Cheery Monday by Kevin McLeod
Patrick Nangle, CEO of Modo Cooperative - BC's premier car-sharing organization - talks about the impact of the pandemic on car sharing, and how Modo has been keeping people (and their stuff, and their pets) moving during the pandemic. Patrick talks about how Modo adapted their business model during the pandemic - including hiring more people to clean their cars, and reducing the number of cars on the road about half - to reflect the fact that more people have been staying home. Patrick and Lesli also talk about how the co-operative business model can help drive BC and Canada's economic recovery.
We've partnered with Modo to offer listeners $50 in free drive time to try Modo car sharing for yourself. Join at https://modo.coop/ with the promo code PLACESBETWEEN and...hit the road with Modo!
The music episode is finally here! We tap into the ultra-cool musical wisdom of Lesli's friends (and musical mentors) Paula Waatainen and Charlotte McDonald. Paula and Charlotte tell us how they first got interested in music, their favourite local live venues and bands, and the songs that are keeping them company during the lonely days of the pandemic - from Margo Price, to Cub, Bombay Bicycle Club, Fleetwood Mac, Lights, Shuggie Otis, Billy Bragg, Harry Styles and many more. We also talk about the (temporary) loss of live music, the shows we're missing the most, and the inevitable return of live performance.
For your listening pleasure, here's a link to Paula, Charlotte and Lesli's pandemic playlist compilation on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0CDeImoTXF5oABpPoNGhob?si=esaGBOxATfWzjb1jyM4_sA
Theme music: 'Happy Monday' by Kevin McLeod.
The Vancouver Sun's legislative journalist Rob Shaw shares what it's like to cover the COVID-19 pandemic - and the BC government's response - from the BC Legislature (or as the case has been, via teleconference). We talk about how the reporter's job has changed in recent months, the communications challenges associated with getting the word out to the public on COVID-19, and the distinct advantages of actually being able to ask BC Provincial Health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry or Health Minister Adrian Dix a question we all want to know the answer to. Rob also takes a moment to talk about about mindfulness, meditation, and taking the time for self-care and being kind to oneself during this health crisis.
Christianne Wilhelmson, executive director of the Georgia Strait Alliance, talks about how environmental non-profit organizations like GSA - which focuses on caring for the ecosystem and wildlife of the Georgia Strait waterway, also known as the Salish Sea - are continuing their important work in the midst of a global health crisis. Christianne talks about how GSA is taking a bunch of their work on species protection, government outreach and advocacy, education, and climate action online, and staying connected with members and supporters through phone, Zoom calls, and more. She also gives us the 411 on GSA's Orcas Can't Wait, and the efforts GSA are making during June (Orca Month) to raise awareness and advocate for action to protect BC's Southern Resident orca population.
To learn more about GSA, how to get involved in GSA's Orcas Campaign, or to volunteer or make a donation, visit https://georgiastrait.org.
Our theme song is Cheery Monday by Kevin McLeod.
Lesli speaks with Trevor Loke, Head of Fundraising at the University of Portsmouth in Portsmouth, England, about his experiences in the pandemic in the UK, one of the countries hardest hit by COVID-19. Trevor talks about the UK's response to the coronavirus and what daily life is like in England right now. As a professional fundraiser, Trevor also shares his thoughts about how non-profits can approach fundraising during this difficult time, and the volunteer coaching he's doing for BC non-profits, through Vantage Point, to help them adapt to the changing fundraising environment.
To access Vantage Point's non-profit resources during COVID-19: https://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog/resources-not-profits-during-covid-19
To apply for free help from professional consultants through Vantage Point: https://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog/covid-19-response-program
If you would like to connect with Trevor for advice or consulting support on how their organization can adapt to COVID-19, reach out at trevor@trevorloke.com.
Stephen Quinn, host of CBC Radio's Early Edition morning show, gives us a tour of the studio where he currently hosts his top-rated radio show (also known as his dining room table). Stephen tells listeners what it's like to host a radio show from home, hearing (but not seeing) his colleagues, and working a little to close to the fridge. He also talks about the mindfulness and sensitivity journalists need to keep top of mind when covering the COVID-19 pandemic - the biggest story of the millennium.
Listen to the Early Edition every weekday morning from 5 to 8:30 am at 88.1 FM, or with the CBC Listen app: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-91-the-early-edition
And, you can check out Stephen's music recommendation, David Keenan's A Beginner's Guide to Bravery, on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5zo0VhHzIPJJMEdhiV3DLo?si=jG8-n1_uQnKF_ZUTEaCrVw
Paul LeBlanc, owner of Vancouver-based sign- and graphic-making company FASTSIGNS, talks about the rapid pivot he had to make, from making signage and bus wraps for BC's tourism industry, to making floor signage ("Keep two metres apart!") and plexiglass shields, to help protect retail employees and customers and arrest the spread of COVID-19. Paul discusses the toll the pandemic has taken on his business, and also, how his team's quick thinking and creativity (including digging out some rarely used supplies they'd had in the shop for years) has helped FASTSIGNS to keep employees on the payroll, and stay in business during the health crisis.
If you're looking for eye-catching signage for your business, organization or non-profit, you can get in touch with Paul and his team at https://www.fastsigns.com/653-vancouver-bc-canada or at 604-327-3278.
In our wide-ranging discussion, Vancouver primary care physician Dr. Rita McCracken walks us through the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on her clinic, and how she and her colleagues continue to provide community based care to their patients under challenging circumstances. We also discuss the crisis in long-term care and the BC government's rapid response outbreaks in seniors' homes, and why people should not be afraid to seek out medical care when they need it.
Jen Candela is Manager of Communications for Vancouver Farmers Markets, but what many don't know is that she's also a talented visual artist who hs created a unique art installation during the pandemic that echoes another historic time of crisis - WWII. In our conversation, Jen gives us a snapshot on the changes Vancouver Farmers Markets have made to adapt to the health crisis, and tips on how to make the most of your farmers market experience. We also discuss Jen's new piece, "Anderson Shelter," which was designed as a direct response to the COVID-19 experience of “sheltering in place”.
To find out more about Vancouver Farmers Markets and how you can enjoy their locally produced food throughout the summer, visit https://eatlocal.org. And, to learn more about Jen's artistic work and her Anderson Shelter project, visit her website: https://www.jencandela.ca/anderson-shelter
Our theme song: Cheery Monday by Kevin Macleod.
When it comes to mental health, we're all having good days and hard days - even clinical counsellor and workplace wellness expert Deena Chochinov, who understands more than most how the common pandemic emotions of fear and anxiety can affect us. Deena breaks down the mental and physical impacts of anxiety on our bodies, shares her advice on how to build more resilience, and talks about how we can support and make this time easier for eachother to get through by talking often and staying connected, even if it's just over the phone or a video call for now.
To contact Deena and learn more about how to support mental health in your workplace - now and in the future as more people start returning to work - visit https://www.deenachochinov.com.
Small business and real estate lawyer Sheila Evani spent the first terrifying days of the pandemic helping her friends, clients and colleagues make sense of the various support and relief programs offered by BC and Canada, follow a near-complete nationwide economic shutdown to combat the spread of COVID-19. Sheila shares her knowledge about the supports available to business, how to access them, and the top legal issues for small businesses she's seeing in these early days of the pandemic and global economic recession. She also gives us the 411 on working from home while raising two kids and two small dogs in a small condo during a pandemic - you know, the usual...
To contact Sheila Evani, visit her firm's website at https://www.whclaw.ca.
With the great uncertainty created by the health crisis and a major economic recession right around the corner, many non-profits are concerned about what this will mean for the future for their organizations, donations and funding. Mira Oreck, Executive Director of the Vancouver-based Houssian Foundation, shares her thoughts on how foundations like hers are approaching philanthropy and granting in the COVID-19 crisis, and how the philanthropic community is working together to support grantees in getting through this time.
For more information on the Houssian Foundation, visit https://houssianfoundation.org.
Personal trainer Travis Hawton of Pivot Training gives us the 411 on diet and exercise during the pandemic, and how staying home doesn't have to mean getting out of shape or gaining the "COVID 19". He talks about how this time of transition is a time for people to get in better shape than they were before the health crisis. Travis also described how he's "pivoted his business" to comply with physical distancing orders, while making sure his clients can still get a good workout.
For more about Travis and his personal training services, bootcamps and new fitness app, visit Pivot Training's website at https://www.pivottraining.ca. And, for free at-home workout tips and info on his virtual or physical distancing bootcamps, follow Pivot Training on Instagram @pivottraining.
Theme song: Cheery Monday by Kevin McLeod.
Urban affairs expert Marnie McGregor shares here COVID-19 experiences from Athens, Greece. Unlike neighbouring Italy, Greece has weathered the pandemic quite well, and after living through a lockdown stricter than we've had here in BC, restrictions will begin to be lifted on May 4. Marnie shares her thoughts on the Athens lockdown, being away from Canada during a pandemic, Greek delivery culture, and the lovely Greek spring. We also compare global urban approaches to reopening economies...and how she's already got an appointment for a cut and colour.
Lesli chats with Patrick Lewis, Director of the UBC Botanical Garden (Canada’s oldest university botanical garden) and the Nitobe Memorial Garden. Patrick shares his story of how the UBC Garden teamed up with the Heiltsuk First Nation to support their "Granny garden" project to grow food. We also talk about how UBC Botanical Garden has responded to the COVID-19 crisis, upcoming garden events, and when the Garden might open its gates again.
For more information and the latest updates on the UBC Botanical Garden, visit https://botanicalgarden.ubc.ca.
Theme song: Cheery Monday by Kevin McLeod.
I’m Lesli Boldt, this is my new podcast, The Places Between.
Welcome to Lesli Boldt's new podcast about the people and places between the time before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the future we’d like to create as we navigate out of this crisis.
Theme song: Cheery Monday by Kevin Macleod.