Rachel Thexton Connects

Rachel Thexton
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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. 1d ago

    Are Childhood Beliefs Running Your Life? | Suzanne St. John Smith joins Rachel Thexton RTC S7-03

    Could beliefs you absorbed as a child be shaping your self-esteem, relationships and decisions today—even without you realizing it?In this episode of Rachel Thexton Connects, Rachel sits down with psychotherapist and author Suzanne St. John Smith to explore Childhood Myths: What They Are and How to Shed Them. Suzanne explains how early messages such as “I’m not smart enough,” “I don’t matter” or “I’m not good enough” can become a “silent operating system” that influences adult life.Suzanne shares her own experience of questioning a belief that had held her back for years—and starting university at 40 as a single mother. Together, Rachel and Suzanne discuss how childhood beliefs can show up through people-pleasing, conflict avoidance, fear of abandonment and recurring relationship patterns.They also explore what makes couples therapy productive, the connection between anger and feeling powerless, and how to begin examining the stories you carry about yourself. Suzanne offers a thoughtful perspective on personal growth: old beliefs may resurface, but recognizing and challenging them can help you make different choices.In this conversation, you’ll hear about:• How childhood experiences can influence self-esteem and identity• Why people-pleasing can lead to resentment• What lies beneath communication problems in relationships• How to question limiting beliefs using your adult experience• Why meaningful change takes courage—and remains possible later in lifeSuzanne is also the author of Overcome Your Fear of Conflict: How to Build Healthy Relationships When the Going Gets Tough and Willy Earns His Wings.What belief about yourself have you started to question? Share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe to Rachel Thexton Connects for more thoughtful conversations.Chapters00:00 Meet Suzanne St. John Smith01:26 Starting university at 40 and changing direction04:24 How “I’m not smart enough” holds us back06:37 Relationships, money and midlife changes09:24 Couples therapy: moving from blame to accountability12:08 How therapists protect their own mental health14:07 What are childhood myths?16:17 The “silent operating system” shaping your choices18:26 How adults shape a child’s self-esteem19:15 Identifying and challenging childhood beliefs21:48 Why old beliefs can resurface23:29 Suzanne’s Childhood Myths course24:13 Relationship patterns and feeling heard26:28 People-pleasing, abandonment fears and resentment29:33 Understanding anger, fear and powerlessness32:02 How childhood myths can limit your choices33:41 Finding hope and the courage to change36:14 Suzanne’s book and closing reflectionsFind out more https://www.stjohnsmith.ca/#ChildhoodMyths #SelfEsteem #Relationships

    Are Childhood Beliefs Running Your Life? | Suzanne St. John Smith joins Rachel Thexton RTC S7-03

  2. Sep 23

    Vancouver mayoral candidate Muhammad Ahmad joins Rachel Thexton RTC S7-02

    Muhammad Ahmad on Vancouver 2026: Housing, Affordability & Safety | Rachel Thexton ConnectsVancouver mayoral candidate Muhammad Ahmad joins Rachel Thexton for a wide-ranging conversation about Vancouver’s future and the issues shaping the **2026 Vancouver municipal election**.The founder of Bright Future Vancouver discusses his journey from Lahore, Pakistan to British Columbia, his experiences with community leadership and immigration, and what led him to enter Vancouver politics.Rachel and Muhammad explore some of the biggest issues facing Vancouver residents, including housing affordability, cost of living, public safety, homelessness, mental-health and addiction response, employment, skills training, transit and the role of City Hall.Muhammad also shares the experiences and values that he says have shaped his approach to leadership, from community advocacy and humanitarian work to raising a family in Vancouver.This is a candid conversation about the person behind the campaign, the ideas he is bringing to the 2026 election, and his vision for Vancouver.Rachel Thexton Connects brings together political, media, community and business voices for thoughtful conversations about the issues that affect our communities — including subjects where people may disagree.The views and statements expressed by the guest are his own. This interview is presented for informational and discussion purposes and does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate, political party or policy position.This episode includes brief, non-graphic discussion of discrimination, substance use, religion and international conflicts.Subscribe to Rachel Thexton Connects for more conversations, interviews and stories.https://www.brightfuturevancouver.com/https://www.brightfuturevancouver.com/muhammad-ahmad00:00 Welcome to Rachel Thexton Connects – Season 701:40 Meet Muhammad Ahmad | Vancouver Mayoral Candidate02:46 From Pakistan to British Columbia03:30 Early Leadership, Faith & Community Service06:33 Standing Up for a Christian Student in Pakistan08:03 Humanitarian Work, Environment & Giving Back10:01 Immigration, Identity & Starting Over in Canada13:25 Building Community in Cranbrook16:11 Racism, Discrimination & Equality in Vancouver21:21 “Talent Is Everywhere, Opportunity Is Not”23:19 Introducing the Aurora Skills Academy24:35 Housing, Recovery & Pathways to Employment28:33 Why Muhammad Ahmad Entered Vancouver Politics30:27 Why Run for Mayor?32:47 Housing Affordability & the Roots Project34:22 Mental Health, Substance Use & the Downtown Eastside37:28 A New Emergency Response Approach38:18 Family, Vancouver Life & Extreme Sports41:22 Muhammad Ahmad’s Priorities for Vancouver44:00 Final Thoughts#MuhammadAhmad #VancouverElection #Vancouver2026 #RachelThextonConnects #VancouverBC #HousingAffordability #PublicSafety

  3. Sep 4

    Overcoming Media Distrust & Polarization Linda Steele Rachel Thexton Connects S7 E1.

    Welcome to the highly anticipated Season 7 premiere of Rachel Thexton Connects! In this episode, Rachel sits down with veteran broadcaster, podcaster, and media trainer Linda Steele to discuss the rapidly changing landscape of modern journalism.Linda shares the fascinating story of her career pivot from banking to broadcast news, driven by a government aptitude test. We dive deep into the current state of media distrust, tracing its roots from the 2016 political shifts to the intense polarization surrounding COVID-19 and health officials like Dr. Bonnie Henry. Linda also opens up about her deeply personal journey caring for parents with dementia, transitioning away from her demanding talk radio show at CKNW, and eventually launching her new independent podcast, Change My Mind, with former colleague Melanie Nagy.Whether you are looking for professional media training tips on how to "come to play" during an interview, or you want to understand how we can bridge the divide in a polarized society, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment below with your thoughts on the future of media! 00:00 - Welcome to Season 7 & Introduction of Guest Linda Steele02:14 - Launching the "Change My Mind" Podcast03:45 - From Banking to News: An Algorithmic Career Pivot06:32 - The Secret Behind Linda's Natural Broadcast Voice09:07 - Shifting from Mainstream News to Talk Radio12:21 - Stepping Away from Media to Care for Parents with Dementia15:56 - Rachel Reflects on Sharing Her Addiction Story on CKNW18:25 - The Art of Listening and Empathy in Journalism21:09 - Exploring the Sad State of Journalism and Media Distrust22:57 - COVID-19, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and Rising Polarization31:32 - Media Training Tips: Authenticity and Body Language36:53 - The Genesis and Goal of the "Change My Mind" Podcast41:30 - How to Find Connection in a Divided Society50:18 - Navigating the Newsroom as a Female Leader55:10 - Future Goals: Writing a Book on Dementia Caregiving#rachelThextonConnects, #linda #SteeleLindaSteele #podcastBC Listen to Lynda Steele Podcast Change My Mind

    Overcoming Media Distrust & Polarization Linda Steele Rachel Thexton Connects S7 E1.

  4. Jul 21

    Finding Hope in Darkness: A Story of Redemption. Season 6 Finale Rachel Thexton Connects.

    Emerson Mendoza shares his remarkable journey from living a dangerous double life to becoming a pastor and bringing hope to people behind bars.In the Season 6 finale of Rachel Thexton Connects, Rachel sits down with Pastor Emerson Mendoza of Village Church in Surrey for an honest conversation about faith, accountability, mental health, forgiveness and second chances.After his hidden life was exposed, Emerson entered one of the darkest periods of his life. Overwhelmed by shame and depression, he began praying the same prayer every night:“God, if You’re real, show up.”What happened next changed the direction of his life.Emerson eventually accepted responsibility for his past and received an unexpected prison sentence. But behind bars, he discovered peace, purpose and an opportunity to help others. He started a Sunday service inside the institution and witnessed people around him begin their own journeys of faith.Today, Emerson leads a growing prison ministry that supports people at Surrey Pretrial and equips churches to bring encouragement and hope into correctional institutions across Canada.In this powerful conversation:• Emerson’s journey from the streets to the pulpit• The consequences of living a double life• Overcoming shame and depression• The prayer that changed his direction• Accepting responsibility for his past• Finding faith and purpose behind bars• Experiencing anxiety as a pastor• Why difficult seasons can transform us• Responding compassionately to addiction and homelessness• Building a prison ministry in Surrey• Expanding prison outreach across Canada• Learning to surrender the burdens we carryWhether you are exploring faith, struggling with your past or searching for a new beginning, Emerson’s story is a powerful reminder that your worst chapter does not have to become your final chapter.CHAPTERS00:00 Finding purpose in an unexpected place00:40 Meet Pastor Emerson Mendoza03:03 What does it mean to follow Jesus?05:53 Emerson’s life before faith08:10 Living a dangerous double life09:54 Exposure, shame and depression11:49 Praying for 21 nights12:15 The moment everything changed15:12 His first invitation to church17:36 Accepting responsibility for his past18:09 An unexpected prison sentence22:32 Entering a challenging prison unit23:45 Finding peace and purpose behind bars24:34 Starting a Sunday service28:20 A message for people skeptical about God31:09 Faith, anxiety and panic attacks35:29 Why does God allow suffering?41:09 Addiction, homelessness and compassion44:15 Building the Village Church prison ministry49:45 Partnering with Surrey Pretrial51:31 Expanding prison ministry across Canada52:12 Emerson’s full-circle story53:13 Surrendering the weight we carry55:59 The freedom found in surrenderContent note: This episode includes a thoughtful discussion about crime, incarceration, depression and mental health.#RedemptionStory #ChristianTestimony #ThextonConnectsSubscribe for more powerful stories of faith, redemption, and transformation.https://thisisvillagechurch.com/location/surrey

    Finding Hope in Darkness: A Story of Redemption. Season 6 Finale Rachel Thexton Connects.

  5. Jun 15

    Writing Memoir, Identity and the Courage to be Real. Author Erin Steele on Rachel Thexton Connects

    Writing a memoir takes courage. Writing an honest one takes something more. In this episode of Rachel Thexton Connects, Rachel sits down with Erin Steele Canadian author, writer, and self-described low-key philosopher — to talk about her debut memoir Sunrise Over Half-Built Houses: Love, Longing and Addiction in Suburbia (Caitlin Press / Dagger Editions). Set in Surrey, BC, the book is unlike any memoir in its genre. Its a deeply personal reckoning story, with compulsive behaviour and the search for identity, and a meditation on what it truly means to fill the space inside yourself with honesty rather than escape. In this conversation, Rachel and Erin explore:→ How Erin went from lifelong writer to published author — and got abook deal fast→ Why this memoir breaks the usual storytelling formula for this genre→ The theme of external fulfillment and seeking validation outsideyourself→ How she navigated writing honestly about people still in her life→ The empty space inside — and what it really means to stop trying tofill it→ Stillness, self-compassion, and finding peace after years ofcompulsive behaviour→ A personal path to wellness that didn't follow traditional programmodels→ A late-in-life ADHD diagnosis and the clarity it brought→ True self-acceptance — not performing it, actually living it→ Stigma, housing, and the call for more compassion in how we treatone anotherGet the book: https://erinsteele.comErin on Substack (On Being Human): Search Erin Steele SubstackSunrise Over Half-Built Houses is available now at independentbookstores and online.Get the book: https://erinsteele.com🔗 Learn more about Erin Steele: https://erinsteele.com📝 Read On Being Human on Substack: https://substack.com/@erinsteele─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────ABOUT RACHEL THEXTON CONNECTSReal conversations. Human stories. The courage to live withauthenticity.New episodes every season on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Follow the podcast:Instagram: @racheltextonconnectsTikTok: @racheltextonconnectsFacebook: Rachel Thexton Connects Youtube: Rachel Thexton Connects ───────────────────────────────────────────────0:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Erin Steele1:33 – About the Memoir: Sunrise Over Half-Built Houses3:58 – The Journey to Getting Published5:16 – What Makes a Memoir Stand Out to Publishers6:14 – Why This Book Breaks the Genre Formula9:31 – The Non-Linear Path to Healing10:49 – Writing About Real People in Your Life14:00 – The Void Within: Seeking Fulfilment Externally16:37 – Running, Movement & Replacing One Compulsion with Another19:22 – Sitting With Yourself: Stillness as a Practice22:43 – Sensitivity as a Superpower, Not a Flaw23:02 – The 'Come Down' Passage & What It Really Means29:42 – On Searing Honesty & Not Holding Back in Writing35:33 – Personal Path to Wellness — Without a Traditional Program40:22 – Late ADHD Diagnosis & the Clarity It Brought44:00 – Learning to Fully Accept Who You Are47:46 – Secondary Emotions & Finding Your Grounded Centre49:07 – What Erin Is Proud of in Her Life Today51:15 – Stigma, Housing & Where Is Our Humanity56:08 – Where to Get the Book & Closing Thoughts#ErinSteele #SunriseOverHalfBuiltHouses #RachelThextonConnects#MemoirWriting #CanadianAuthors #QueerStories #SelfAcceptance#HealingJourney #HarmReduction #MentalWellness #CaitlinPress #Podcast

  6. Jun 10

    BC's First Indigenous Red Seal Chef on the Crisis No One Talks About | Chief Andrew George.

    What does it mean when food isn't just fuel — it's governance, identity, and survival? In this episode, Rachel sits down with Chief Andrew George — Hereditary Wing Chief of the Wet'suwet'en Bear Clan, BC's first Indigenous Red Seal certified chef, Apprentice Advisor at SkilledTradesBC, and Director at Dan's Legacy Foundation — for a conversation that will change how you see food, culture, and reconciliation in Canada. Chief Andrew takes us from growing up off-reserve in the Bulkley Valley, following salmon cycles, and cooking over an open fire in the mountains — all the way to representing Indigenous cuisine at the 1992 World Culinary Olympics, Expo 86, the 2010 Winter Olympics, and the FIFA World Cup. His mother's salmon bannock, first created at Expo 86, is making a comeback on the world stage. But this episode goes far deeper than food. Chief Andrew unpacks how Indigenous food systems weren't simply lost — they were deliberately destroyed. From fishing rocks blown up in the Hagelget Canyon to buffalo wiped out on the prairies, he connects this history directly to why Indigenous households in BC today experience food insecurity at 2 to 6 times the rate of non-Indigenous households. From Dan's Legacy Foundation's trauma-informed culinary training in New Westminster, to Tea Creek's food sovereignty model in Northern BC — Chief Andrew shows us what real reconciliation looks like: not in a corporate boardroom, but sitting around a fire with a cup of tea. This episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about food justice, Indigenous rights, and the future of our communities. ABOUT DAN'S LEGACY FOUNDATION Dan's Legacy provides no-cost trauma-informed counselling and wrap-around support programs for at-risk youth, including culinary job-skills training through Dan's Diner in New Westminster. 🔗 Website: https://danslegacy.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danslegacybc/ 👍 Facebook: https://facebook.com/danslegacy 🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/DansLegacyBC 0:00 Introduction & land acknowledgement 2:23 Chief Andrew's journey into professional cooking 3:15 Growing up off reserve in the Bulkley Valley 4:33 The Salmon People: Wet'suwet'en identity & traditions 6:34 The Feast Hall & Potlatch: Food as governance 7:26 The Grease Trails: A kinship economy 9:43 How cooking found him: An open fire in the mountains 16:33 His grandfather & reconciliation 19:32 Indigenous cuisine on the world stage: Culinary Olympics, Expo 86, FIFA 20:28 The deliberate decimation of Indigenous food systems 22:14 The food insecurity crisis: 2–6× higher for Indigenous households 31:08 Culinary Diplomacy Tour & the DC Central Kitchen model 34:13 Dan's Legacy Foundation: Therapy, cooking & changing lives 36:09 Tea Creek: Food sovereignty & trades training 38:02 Burn the boardroom table: Reconciliation around the fire 39:08 The elder's tea wisdom 56:47 Treat people how you want to be treated 57:41 Food as shared culture: Pow Wows, Potlatches & giving 58:57 Where to find Indigenous food in Greater Vancouver 1:01:00 Closing: Salmon Bannock from Expo 86 to the FIFA World Cup.

  7. May 5

    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

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

  8. 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

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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
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    173
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Rachel Thexton
  • Show Website
    Rachel Thexton Connects