Rachel Thexton Connects

Rachel Thexton

Rachel Thexton Connects hosts conversations that bring us together for authentic discussion on everything Vancouver. Hosted by Thexton PR Principal, Rachel Thexton, guests include media, bloggers and digital content creators, in addition to local business and political leaders, and under-represented voices who must be heard. With a focus on learning, connecting, and inclusion, Rachel is also focused on breaking down stigmas and stereotypes related to mental health and substance use. Rachel Thexton Connects presents dynamic discussions on issues affecting Vancouver. Be Kind and Truly Connect!

  1. Rachel Thexton Connects. Dr. Jill Wiwcharuk: Substance Use, Stigma & Canada's Public Health Crisis.

    12 HRS AGO

    Rachel Thexton Connects. Dr. Jill Wiwcharuk: Substance Use, Stigma & Canada's Public Health Crisis.

    Street Doctor Jill (Dr. Jill Wiwcharuk) is an addiction medicine physician, emergency room doctor, and one of Canada’s most important voices on the substance use public health crisis. In this episode of the Rachel Thexton Connects Podcast, Dr. Jill breaks down evidence-based treatment, compassionate care, the contaminated street supply, stigma in healthcare, and why policy makers need more courage to act on the research.🔔 Subscribe for honest, compassionate conversations on substance use, mental health, and public health in Canada.📲 Follow Dr. Jill Wiwcharuk: Instagram & Facebook: @streetdrjill 📲 Follow Rachel Thexton Connects:  @rachelthextonconnects  [https://www.instagram.com/rachelthextonconnects/?hl=enTOPICS COVERED SECTION• How Dr. Jill went from violin & Spanish to street medicine• Why all Canadian doctors should have substance use disorder training• Barriers to care for unhoused & marginalized communities• How stigma in clinics, pharmacies & the ER costs lives• Why she started @streetdrjill on Instagram & Facebook• Evidence-based care strategies and why they save millions of dollars• Prescription medications contaminating Canada’s unregulated street supply• Why emergency response medications don’t always work — and why that matters• The reality of withdrawal — why “just stopping” isn’t that simple• Recovery: why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach• What policy makers must do to end the public health emergency• Indigenous communities and the preventable deaths crisis in BC#AddictionMedicine #SubstanceUseDisorder #PublicHealth #StreetDoctorJill #CanadaHealthCrisis #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealth #EvidenceBasedCare #CompassionateCare #BCHealthCrisis #RachelThextonConnects #DrJillWiwcharuk 0:00 Introduction — Meet Street Doctor Jill1:15 Dr. Jill’s Journey: From Violin & India to Medicine3:30 Emergency Medicine + Addiction — More Than One Label4:15 Should All Canadian Doctors Have Substance Use Training?7:00 Barriers to Care: Homelessness, Stigma & Marginalized Communities8:30 How Stigma in Healthcare Costs Lives13:20 The Numbers: 21% of Canadians Will Face Substance Use Disorder14:00 Sadness & Rage: Rolling Back Public Health Progress17:30 Safe Supply, the Diversion Debate & Political Pressure18:00 Why Dr. Jill Started @streetdrjill on Social Media22:30 Evidence-Based Care: What It Actually Means26:35 The Financial Case: Why Preventive Care Saves Millions27:00 Prescription Medications Contaminating the Unregulated Supply29:30 Why Emergency Response Medications Sometimes Fall Short33:45 Understanding Withdrawal — It’s Not Just Stopping36:45 Medications That Support Recovery & Stability38:10 Recovery Looks Different for Everyone41:40 What Policy Makers Must Do to End the Crisis43:35 Indigenous Communities & Preventable Deaths in BC45:25 Closing Thoughts & Where to Follow Dr. Jill

    46 min

  2. APR 17

    Inside BC's Real Estate Beat Freelance Journalist Howard Chai on Housing, Headlines & Hustle

    Rachel Thexton sits down with Howard Chai, one of British Columbia's most respected real estate journalists, to talk about what it's like covering Vancouver's number one news beat. Howard shares the story behind his transition from computer science at SFU to journalism — eventually landing at Storeys.com, where he spent three years establishing himself as a go-to voice on BC's housing market. When Storeys paused operations, he created Substack real estate content, and media outlets started calling. Howard now writes for The Globe and Mail, RENX, Western Investor, The Tyee, and Storeys.com (now under Site Media).The discussion digs into the state of BC's real estate market — from the downturn in pre-sale developments and declining rental prices, to developer insolvencies and the hidden costs that drive up housing prices. Howard offers his perspective on housing affordability for professional families, the "missing middle," and whether the market may be approaching a turning point. Howard also shares what grabs his attention in a story pitch, how he stays objective on divisive housing topics, the value of exclusives, and his competitive edge as a breaking-news reporter.This episode is a must-listen for real estate developers, realtors, PR and communications professionals, and anyone following the BC housing market.The Worst Market They've Ever Seen?Will Families Ever Afford a Home in Vancouver?0:00 — Intro: Welcome to Rachel Thexton Connects0:22 — Meet Howard Chai, Freelance Real Estate Journalist1:16 — What Happened When Storeys.com Shut Down3:04 — Starting a Substack & Staying in Journalism4:40 — How Substack Works for Independent Journalists5:34 — Why Newsletters Are the Future of Digital Media6:02 — Competitors Came Calling: Landing Freelance Work7:25 — Real Estate: BC's Most Clicked News Beat7:57 — Howard's Background: From Computer Science to Journalism9:25 — Covering Vancouver's COVID Era at Daily Hive 60410:03 — Joining Storeys & Covering BC's Real Estate Market11:01 — Why Housing Affordability Matters So Much12:53 — The Market Shift: From Sellouts to Slowdowns13:10 — "The Worst Market They've Ever Seen"14:00 — Are We Near Rock Bottom? Signs of a Turning Point14:30 — How Rental Prices Have Dropped in Vancouver14:56 — Staying Objective on Divisive Housing Topics16:46 — How Howard Keeps Reporting Balanced & Fact-Based17:43 — What Grabs a Journalist's Attention in a Pitch18:56 — Being Selective: Competing with CBC & Bigger Outlets20:11 — The Value of Exclusives in Real Estate Reporting22:02 — Writing for Globe and Mail, RENX, Tyee & Storeys22:46 — The Globe and Mail Feature: A Career Milestone24:00 — Biggest Challenges Covering the Real Estate Beat25:58 — What Howard Loves Most About the Job27:00 — The Competitive Drive Behind Breaking News27:42 — Will Families Ever Afford a Home in Vancouver?28:24 — Howard's Take: Townhouses as the Realistic Path29:30 — The Hidden Costs Developers Pay (CACs & Municipal Fees)31:00 — Future Goals: Maclean's, Walrus & Long-Form Features32:51 — Howard's Substack & Inspiring Self-Publication33:00 — Pet Peeves from PR Pitches & Email Threads34:20 — Why Howard Always Responds to Pitches (Even to Say No)35:47 — Closing: Howard Chai's Impact on BC Real Estate Journalism36:24 — Be Kind, Truly Connect — Outro

    37 min

  3. MAR 26

    The Reality of Vancouver’s Largest Health Crisis: Sarah Blyth (OPS)-Rachel Thexton Connects Podcast.

    In this raw and timely episode of Rachel Thexton Connects, Rachel sits down with Sarah Blyth, the Executive Director of the Overdose Prevention Society (OPS). Three years after first joining Rachel on the podcast, Sarah returns to discuss why the overdose crisis remains a dire health emergency despite falling out of the media spotlight. Sarah also details the variety of vital services that OPS provides to one of Vancouver's most vulnerable communities. Sarah pulls back the curtain on the daily operations at OPS—a site that sees up to 600 visits a day. She debunks myths about harm reduction, explains the shift from fentanyl to even more dangerous toxic substances, and shares deeply personal experiences that fuel her advocacy.In this episode, we cover:The Toxic Supply: Why the current unregulated supply is taking the lives of 225,000+ British Columbians. More Than Harm Reduction: How OPS provides food, clothing, housing support, and recovery meetings. The Human Cost: The over-representation of Indigenous peoples in toxic drug overdoses. A Legacy of Compassion: Why Vancouver must choose empathy on the world stage (FIFA 2026). How you can support OPS:Sarah mentions that OPS is always in need of blankets and clothing for their overnight shelter. Visit vancityops.com to learn more.0:00 - Introduction: The Rachel Thexton Connects Podcast 1:10 - The Magnitude of the Crisis: 225,000+ at Risk 3:10 - Catching up with Sarah Blyth (3 Years Later) 4:40 - Frontline Realities: 600 Visits a Day at OPS 6:15 - The Changing Supply: From Fentanyl to "Tranq" 8:40 - Accountability in Drug Testing & "Green" Drugs 10:50 - More Than a Site: Recovery Navigators & Basic Needs 13:10 - The Dimming Spotlight: Why We Can't Ignore the Emergency 15:30 - Politics vs. People: The Funding & Advocacy Gap 18:10 - The Harm of Exploitative Filming in the DTES 21:30 - The Power of Lived Experience & Empathy 23:45 - On-Demand Recovery: How the Process Actually Works 26:30 - How to Support OPS: Blankets & Compassion 28:40 - Vancouver’s Legacy: FIFA 2026 & Global Perception 30:30 - Closing: Walking the Talk with Sarah Blyth.

    29 min

  4. MAR 6

    How Dress for Success Vancouver Supports Women in Breaking Barriers and Navigating 2026 Challenges.

    In this episode of Rachel Thexton Connects, I am joined by Amanda Sayfy, the Executive Director of Dress for Success Vancouver, the oldest affiliate of the global organization.We dive deep into the realities of women in Vancouver today, discussing how the organization has evolved from its grassroots origins in a church basement to a multi-faceted support system. Amanda shares startling data on the intersecting barriers women face, including the cost-of-living crisis, the impacts of shifting immigration policies, and the "national epidemic" of gender-based violence declared in 2025.https://dfsvancouver.ca/https://thextonpr.com/Amanda Sayfy is a strategic leader with over 20 years of experience in resource development and advocacy. As the Executive Director of Dress for Success Vancouver, she focuses on creating equity and opportunity for those experiencing intersecting barriersLinkedIn: Amanda SayfyTimestamp Chapter 00:00,Intro The Reality of the Living Wage,Amanda discusses the gap between Vancouver’s living wage ($28/hr) and the reality for clients making less than $30k/year.01:12,Introduction: Amanda Sayfy,Rachel welcomes Amanda Sayfy and introduces the mission of Dress for Success Vancouver.02:19,A Calling to Advocacy,Amanda shares her 20-year journey in the non-profit sector and what led her to this work.06:43,Beyond the Suit: DFS Origins,The grassroots history of the Vancouver affiliate and how its services have evolved.08:49,Programs for Empowerment,"Exploring the ""Working Women’s Group,"" mentorship, and employment readiness workshops."11:01,Diversity & Intersecting Barriers,"A look at the demographics served, including newcomers, BIPOC individuals, and survivors of violence."16:13,The Link to Gender-Based Violence,How financial independence serves as a critical—yet complex—pathway to safety.21:01,Shifting Trends in 2026,Analyzing why demand for peer support is rising while dressing services requests have shifted.22:19,The BC Labor Market & AI,The impact of infrastructure-heavy job growth and the threat of AI on entry-level roles.26:54,The Pulse of Philanthropy,How global economic events affect donor feelings and the importance of human storytelling.29:03,Personal Motivation,Amanda shares her family’s history as displaced persons and her own lived experience.31:09,How to Support: The Best Ways,"Specific needs for donations (blazers, handbags, plus sizes) and volunteer opportunities."33:57,The Future: Building Social Capital,"Amanda’s vision for creating ""champions"" and deeper connections for the women of Vancouver."Dress for Success Vancouver, Amanda Sayfy, Rachel Thexton Connects, Living Wage Vancouver, Gender-Based Violence Support, Women’s Employment BC, Non-profit Leadership, Social Capital, Newcomer Support Vancouver.

    36 min

  5. FEB 27

    The "Industry Disruptor" Is the Future of Journalism a Co-op? Journalist-Owned Media Revolution.

    Is corporate media abandoning your community? 📢 Journalism is undergoing a massive shift, and Freshet News is at the forefront of the movement.Discover how veteran journalists are fighting back against corporate media closures. Janice Cleugh joins Rachel Thexton to discuss the "revival" of local news through the journalist-owned co-op, Freshet News."We could not believe that they were closing three major urban outlets in the middle of a federal election."In this episode, we sit down with Janice Cleugh, a 35-year veteran journalist and co-founder of Freshet News. After the sudden closure of several Tri-City and Burnaby publications by Glacier Media, Janice and three colleagues took a "superhero" leap to revive local news as a worker-owned cooperative.Visit and support freshetnews.ca for local news BC.Key Takeaways from this Episode:The News Co-Op Model: Learn how Freshet News operates as a non-profit, worker-owned collective to remain independent and impartial.Community Demand: Why local readers are hungry for "hyper-local" reporting on school boards, city halls, and local arts.The Maverick Mindset: How these journalists transformed from employees to business owners, publishers, and distributors overnight.The Future of Journalism: Janice shares her "bold prediction" for the Fraser River communities and why trust is the secret weapon for modern media.0:00 Intro: The Value of Community Journalism1:54 The Crisis: Closing Major Outlets During an Election3:15 What the Community Actually Wants in a Newspaper5:50 Janice Cleugh’s Journey: From England to BC7:52 Scaling Up: From Monthly to Weekly Print Editions10:00 The "Maverick" Story: Why We Created Our Own Jobs12:50 Disrupting the Corporate Media Landscape15:00 How a Worker-Owned Co-Op Actually Functions20:18 The Daily Mission: Fairness, Accuracy, and Truth21:14 Why We Do This as VolunteersBC News 2026 Vancouver Media Co-opBurnaby Local Journalism

    24 min
  6. Angela Sterritt: Investigative Journalism, Indigenous Advocacy, and the Power of Storytelling

    FEB 18

    Angela Sterritt: Investigative Journalism, Indigenous Advocacy, and the Power of Storytelling

    What does it truly mean to forgive when the systems meant to protect you have failed? In this powerful episode, I sit down with national bestselling author and award-winning journalist Angela Sterritt (Gitxsan Nation) to discuss her groundbreaking book, Unbroken: My Fight for Survival, Hope, and Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls.Angela shares her "beautiful journey" from the streets to the newsroom, redefining forgiveness as a personal act of "letting go" rather than letting abusers off the hook. We dive deep into the responsibility of being a "disruptive professional," the urgent need for Indigenous language in schools, and the upcoming themes of her second book, Breakable, which explores healthy masculinity and breaking generational cycles.Whether you are a student, a creator, or an advocate, this conversation offers a masterclass in using your voice—and your pen—as an agent of change.In this episode, we discuss:The difference between forgiveness and accountability.Angela’s cultural heritage: The "House of the Big Wings" and matrilineal responsibility.Why Indigenous journalists are essential to challenging colonial lenses in media.The crisis of isolation among men and the path to "sacred manhood".How to regulate your nervous system to move from trauma into imagination.Episode Chapters00:00 – Introduction: Rachel Texon welcomes Angela Sterritt.01:03 – The Difference Between Forgiveness and Accountability.03:10 – Cultural Identity: The Gitxsan Nation and the "House of Big Wings".04:00 – The Responsibility of Disrupting and Dismantling Colonial Systems.06:54 – Navigating the "Sidebar": The Reality for Indigenous Professionals.08:13 – Being a "Disruptive Professional" and the Need for Proxies.11:15 – Part Memoir, Part Investigation: The Structure of "Unbroken".12:28 – The Driving Force: Why Angela Blended Her Story with the MMIWG Crisis.17:02 – Breaking Journalistic Rules: Including "Lived Experience" as Expertise.20:05 – First Look at "Breakable": Investigating Masculinity and Patriarchy.23:01 – How New is Patriarchy? Looking at 14,000 Years of Indigenous History.28:00 – The Silent Crisis: Loneliness and Overdose Statistics Among Men.31:19 – Creating Brotherhoods: The Need for Safe Spaces for Men to Emote.35:15 – Indigenous Storytelling vs. the "Non-Indigenous Anthropologist" Lens.40:42 – Reclaiming Language: The Case for Indigenous Languages in Schools.46:53 – The Pen as a Counselor: Writing as an Agent of Change.54:55 – Nervous System Regulation and the Highest Form of Love.01:03:00 – Final Thoughts: Jimi Hendrix and the Power of Love.Support the Guest:https://angelasterritt.com/📖 Get the book "Unbroken": https://greystonebooks.com/products/unbroken🌐 Follow Angela Sterritt: https://www.instagram.com/angela_sterritt/Connect with the Show:https://www.instagram.com/rachelthextonconnects/https://thextonpr.com/#AngelaSterritt #IndigenousVoices #Unbroken #Journalism #Healing #Masculinity #SocialJustice #Podcast

    1h 5m

  7. JAN 29

    Alcohol Explained with William Porter: How Drinking Affects Anxiety, Sleep, and Addiction Recovery.

    Why is it so easy to start drinking and so hard to stop? In this episode of Rachel Thexton Connects, I sit down with William Porter, lawyer and author of the bestselling book “Alcohol Explained,” to explore how alcohol really impacts anxiety, sleep, mental health, and addiction recovery.​William explains how alcohol, a chemical sedative, triggers an equal and opposite reaction of anxiety in the brain, and why so many people feel worse over time even though they drink “to relax.” We unpack why a few drinks may help you fall asleep but lead to poor‑quality rest, 3 a.m. wake‑ups, and next‑day exhaustion.​We also dig into how the subconscious mind links alcohol to relief, quietly building automatic cravings and dependence. If you’re sober‑curious, in recovery, or simply questioning your relationship with drinking, this conversation offers clear, compassionate, science‑based insight.​Key topics covered:​The Homeostasis Trap: how your brain counters alcohol with stimulants like cortisol and adrenaline.​The Sleep Myth: why alcohol‑induced unconsciousness is not restorative sleep.​The Subconscious Link: how your brain “learns” to crave the next drink to fix the anxiety the last drink caused.​Hydration & Salt: why chugging water before bed does not undo the effects of alcohol.​Fading Effect Bias: why we remember the “fun” but forget the hangovers and anxiety.​About William Porter – Alcohol Explained:​Author of “Alcohol Explained” Known for breaking down alcohol, dependence, and recovery in simple, practical language.​Website: alcoholexplained.comBook: “Alcohol Explained” (search “Alcohol Explained William Porter” on your favourite bookstore).​Listen if you’re interested in:​Alcohol and anxietyAlcohol and sleep problems / insomniaAlcohol use disorder and addiction recoverySobriety, alcohol‑free living, and sober‑curious journeysMental health, stress, and drinking habits​Support the podcast:If you found this episode helpful, please Like, Subscribe, leave a comment with your biggest takeaway, and share it with someone who might be questioning their relationship with alcohol.​#AlcoholExplained #WilliamPorter #AlcoholAndAnxiety #AlcoholAndSleep #QuitDrinking #Sobriety #SoberCurious #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #RachelThextonConnects​william porter​alcohol explainedalcohol explained podcastalcohol explained william porteralcohol and anxietyalcohol and sleepalcohol and depressionalcohol and mental healthalcohol use disorderalcohol addiction recoveryquit drinkinghow to stop drinkingsobrietyalcohol‑free livingsober curioussober podcastaddiction recovery podcastanxiety and drinkingsleep and alcoholrachel thexton connects

    51 min

  8. SEASON 6 TRAILER

    Join the conversation on RTC: Rachel Thexton Connects!

    We dive deep into the stories, perspectives, and voices that matter. Whether you're looking for insightful interviews or a fresh take on current trends, this is the place for meaningful connection.Don’t miss an episode: ✨ Watch now to stay informed and inspired. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell to join our growing community!

    2 min
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out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Rachel Thexton Connects hosts conversations that bring us together for authentic discussion on everything Vancouver. Hosted by Thexton PR Principal, Rachel Thexton, guests include media, bloggers and digital content creators, in addition to local business and political leaders, and under-represented voices who must be heard. With a focus on learning, connecting, and inclusion, Rachel is also focused on breaking down stigmas and stereotypes related to mental health and substance use. Rachel Thexton Connects presents dynamic discussions on issues affecting Vancouver. Be Kind and Truly Connect!

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel Thexton
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    167
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Rachel Thexton
  • Show Website
    Rachel Thexton Connects