The Shared Mic: Conversations for the Ages Age Friendly Edmonton

Recent years have witnessed calamitous climate events. From the bleaching of coral reefs to the melting of the polar ice caps, the effects of climate change are becoming harder to ignore. This conversation brings together two individuals from different generations who both have thoughts on how we can move the needle on climate change.



Matthew is a young climate activist with the Edmonton chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Change Lobby (CCL). Victor had a 25-year career in biomedical and forensic sciences, and, in 2006, found inspiration to fight climate change after reading “An Inconvenient Truth”. In this candid conversation, the pair discuss possible solutions to this pressing issue, including promising technologies. They also discuss challenges, including changing minds in a time when misinformation runs rampant.



Thank you for listening to Season 2! The Shared Mic is produced by Age Friendly Edmonton.



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This episode brings together disability advocates, Bean Gill and Cindy Gordon, to discuss what it’s like to navigate the world with a disability. Bean is the Executive Director and Cofounder of “ReYu Paralysis Recovery Centre”, an Edmonton nonprofit specializing in neurorecovery therapy to increase function for individuals with spinal cord injuries and associated disorders. Cindy is the Executive Director for the “Canadian Hard of Hearing Association -- Edmonton Branch.” Together they discuss ways to improve accessibility in Edmonton for individuals with disabilities, and educating Edmontonians about different disabilities to counteract prejudice.



The Shared Mic is produced by Age Friendly Edmonton.



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Live theatre is a fantastic way to gather insight into the human experience. Going to a show is usually an in-person experience, but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced local thespians to radically rethink the artform.



In this episode, local theatre proponents, Becca and Linette, meet to discuss the implications of the pandemic for local theatre. Becca is the Associate Director for the Geri-Actors and Linette is a High School and Improv Teacher at Strathcona High School. Throughout the discussion, common themes emerge, including the difficulty of projecting oneself through a screen when acting in the digital landscape. The two also identify opportunities that have arisen from the pandemic, such as involving actors and audiences from across the globe in productions.



The Shared Mic is produced by Age Friendly Edmonton.



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We actually don't have a new episode for you...we just wanted wish you a Happy Holidays!



Thank you for faithfully listening to five episodes so far in season two. No need to fret as there are three more episodes coming your way in January that we know you'll enjoy!



Because it is the holiday season, we urge you to stay safe and check in on a neighbour or friend if possible. If you need any help or know someone who needs help, call 2-1-1 the Senior's Help Line. They have a wealth of resources that can be directed to you.



The Shared Mic understands this is a difficult time of year for everyone and some are not in the position to give. However, if you are in the position to give, we encourage you to look into Edmonton Meals On Wheels and their "No Senior Forgotten" program. Your donation will be used to help buy a delicious turkey dinner that'll be delivered to all Meals On Wheels clients on Christmas day!



Thank you for listening and see you in the New Year!



The Shared Mic is produced by Age Friendly Edmonton.

In this episode, Advocates and Educators from Edmonton’s Jewish and Muslim communities, Abe Silverman and Trent Daley, met to discuss how the pandemic has impacted their faith communities.



Faith plays a key role in the lives of Edmontonians of all ages. These communities have shown exceptional resilience in making the best of a bad situation. By converting their homes into places of worship--makeshift mosques and synagogues--these Edmontonians remain connected to their faith.



Despite some silver linings, both Abe and Trent comment on the struggles COVID-19 has presented to their communities, such as increased isolation among their members and economic uncertainty. As Abe keenly observes, “only history will be able to tell the entire story of what it is that this pandemic has done to the world.”



The Shared Mic is produced by Age Friendly Edmonton.



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Episode 4 brings together two women academics from different generations, Jennifer Foote and Maryanne Doherty, to discuss their experiences navigating the world of academia. Both women are U of A Faculty of Education members. Jennifer serves as an Associate Professor and Maryanne as the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and Services.



Throughout the conversation, both women touch on their experiences in research with Maryanne discussing her work in sexual health and Jennifer discussing her background in speech language pathology. The conversation culminates in a revelation of the importance of basing one’s work in the community and ensuring that theory is informed by practice. While times may change, many research practices in research are tried and true.



The Shared Mic is produced by Age Friendly Edmonton.



Download a transcript of this episode.