Podcasts with purpose

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Channel • 8 Shows

Documentary

Documentary

Updated twice weekly
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Every two weeks
Documentary

Documentary

Weekly series
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Weekly series
Hockey

Hockey

Updated weekly
Hockey

Hockey

Updated weekly
Documentary

Documentary

Updated weekly

11 Mar

Accessible Recruiting and Hiring with Erika Shea

Join host Corrie Melanson for a thought-provoking conversation with Erika Shea, Executive Director of New Dawn Enterprises, as they explore how one of Cape Breton’s largest community-centred employers is reimagining accessible recruitment and hiring, from the job posting to the first day and beyond. With over 200 staff across 17 nonprofit entities, New Dawn doesn’t just fill roles; it builds community. Erika shares how the organisation has moved beyond inherited hiring norms to create processes that are transparent, flexible, and deeply human. Key topics include: Why posting salary and benefits upfront attracts the right candidates, and builds trust from day oneHow a 32-hour work week with full-time pay supports whole lives, not just productivityThe power of sending interview questions in advance and why interviews shouldn’t feel like pop quizzesCreating low-stakes, ongoing conversations about neurodivergence, disability, and what people need to thriveWhy the interview itself is your first chance to show your culture, and how small gestures make a big differenceMoving from shame to safety: how openness about disability strengthens teams and trust Whether you’re in HR, leadership, or simply believe work should work for everyone, this episode is full of actionable ideas and refreshing honesty about building hiring practices that are not only accessible but truly welcoming. Ready to rethink recruitment? Listen now.

11 Mar

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37 min
25 Mar

Accessible Retention and Career Development with Jeff Overmars

Join host Corrie Melanson for an enlightening discussion with Jeff Overmars, a seasoned public service professional and advocate, as they delve into the essential yet often overlooked aspects of accessible retention and career development for people with disabilities. Jeff draws from nearly 20 years of experience in government, his role as co-chair of the Nova Scotia Disability Employee Network, and his personal perspective as an employee with low vision to unpack what truly happens after the hiring process ends. Key topics include: Why retention begins on day one, and the pitfalls of assuming onboarding is “one and done”Moving beyond accommodations to proactive support: asking “What helps you thrive?”The impact of remote work flexibility and why return-to-office mandates risk excluding talented employeesHow performance planning can serve as an ongoing conversation, not just an annual reviewIntroducing the “purple flag” tool to interrupt bias without shame or blameThe role of employee resource groups in fostering culture change and collective advocacy Whether you’re a manager, HR professional, or advocate, this episode offers practical insights and relatable examples to help build workplaces where everyone can grow, contribute, and stay. Ready to move beyond hiring and truly support career development for people with disabilities? Listen now.

25 Mar

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46 min
25 Feb

Accessible Customer Service with Bianca Go and Heather Wilkinson

Join host Corrie Melanson for a practical and inspiring conversation with Heather Wilkinson from Wonder’neath Art Society and Bianca Goh from the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) as they explore what accessible customer service really means and how organisations of any size can get it right. From a vibrant community art studio to a province-wide retailer, Heather and Bianca share real-world strategies for making every interaction welcoming, responsive, and genuinely inclusive. Whether you serve clients, customers, participants, or the public, this episode is packed with ideas you can apply right away. Key topics include: How to move beyond compliance and build a culture of access, one small step at a timeThe power of low-sensory experiences, and what NSLC learned from its pilot projectSimple adaptations that make a big difference: from rubber bands on wine bottles to foam mats for service dogsWhy training matters, and how partnering with organisations like CNIB builds staff confidenceCreating “accessibility guides” for your space so people know what to expect before they arriveHow to solicit and act on feedback, turning mistakes into momentumThe role of relationship-building in accessibility: it’s not just about the door, it’s about the dialogue Whether you run a small nonprofit, a large public service, or a local business, this episode will leave you with actionable ideas, relatable stories, and the encouragement to start where you are and keep learning. Ready to make your service truly accessible? Listen now.

25 Feb

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37 min
23/04/2024

Accommodations in the Workplace

This episode we sit down with Ursula Mogensen who is a queer, non-binary human with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They share their experiences with a late diagnosis of ADHD, the supports at work that help them thrive, and the challenges and benefits of being Neurodivergent. This podcast is made possible by Sea Change CoLab. Sea Change CoLab supports leaders and teams across private, public, and impact-driven sectors to learn sustainable ways that spark meaningful change and create learning experiences that reflect the diversity of our world and have equitable systems and inclusive cultures where everyone belongs. Go to https://seachangecolab.com/ to learn more. This podcast is hosted by Corrie Melanson, Learning Experience Designer, at Sea Change CoLab. Produced by Podstarter. Full transcript available here (https://share.transistor.fm/s/bf0551ce/transcript.txt)

23/04/2024

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40 min
31/12/2025

Accessible Digital Communications with Kirsten Dodd and Garth Holmes

Join host Corey for an insightful conversation with digital accessibility experts Garth Holmes, co-founder of Be Responsive Media, and Kirsten Dodd, CEO of Haynova, as they tackle one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of inclusion: making the digital world accessible to everyone. Drawing from decades of experience in web development, design, and inclusive technology, Garth and Kirsten move beyond compliance checklists to explore the human impact of digital barriers—and how to remove them. Key topics include: Why third-party tools and platforms are often the biggest roadblocks to accessibility and how to advocate for changeThe power of auditing with people who have disabilities and how it transformed the ACE Project websiteHow inaccessible apps during COVID-19 put people at risk and why digital access is a matter of food security, health, and dignityDebunking the myth that accessibility limits creativity and how it actually strengthens your brand and user experiencePractical, low-cost ways to start: from browser extensions like WAVE to listening to your site with a screen readerWhy empathy, not just compliance, drives lasting change, and how to build it into your team’s processWhere to find grants and resources in Nova Scotia to support your accessibility journey Whether you’re a developer, designer, marketer, or business leader, this episode is packed with real stories, actionable strategies, and a clear message: digital accessibility isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have for reaching and respecting your entire community. Ready to make your digital space truly inclusive? Listen now.

31/12/2025

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32 min
13/08/2024

Accessibility Confident Leaders

Henk and Thivjan are both Executive Directors (ED) of organizations that support people with intellectual disabilities. Henk is the ED of DASC Dartmouth Adult Services Centre (DASC), a social enterprise. Thivjan is the ED of Inclusion Nova Scotia. The three have a conversation about what it means to be an accessibility confident leader in Nova Scotia, and the importance of valuing and empowering people with disabilities to advocate for themselves and create an accessible future. This podcast is made possible by Sea Change CoLab. Sea Change CoLab supports leaders and teams across private, public, and impact-driven sectors to learn sustainable ways that spark meaningful change and create learning experiences that reflect the diversity of our world and have equitable systems and inclusive cultures where everyone belongs. Go to https://seachangecolab.com/ to learn more. This podcast is hosted by Corrie Melanson, Learning Experience Designer, at Sea Change CoLab. Produced by Podstarter. Full transcript available here (https://accessibilityally.transistor.fm/s1/10/transcript)

13/08/2024

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39 min
13/06/2023

Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre

Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre was born in 1977 in Montreal. He played for the Buffalo Sabres, the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Atlanta Thrashers and the Washington Capitals. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.org The see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.com Want to here more? The extended interview can be found at Recognize: Black Heroes of the NHL Produced by Podstarter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13/06/2023

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25 min
28/03/2023

Darren Banks

Darren Banks was born in Toronto, in 1966. Known as an enforcer, he was a fearless player. Darren played in 20 NHL games with the Boston Bruins between 1992 and 1994. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.org The see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.com Want to here more? The extended interview can be found at Recognize: Black Heroes of the NHL Produced by Podstarter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

28/03/2023

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17 min
28/10/2023

Joaquin Gage

Joaquin Gage was born in Vancouver in 1973. He played 23 games in the NHL as a goalie for the Edmonton Oilers, as well as a long career in the ECHL, AHL and in Europe. My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycards To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.org The see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.com Want to here more? The extended interview can be found at Recognize: Black Heroes of the NHL Produced by Podstarter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

28/10/2023

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27 min
03/04/2024

Taos Jordan

Originally from Brooklin, ON, Jordan is in his third season with the Owen Sound Attack, after being drafted in 2020 as a 12th Round pick (# 151). The Jerseys designed by Jordan as both a celebration of diversity within the game and in support of Team Jamaica and the Owen Sound Emancipation Festival. The black and red jerseys feature a prominent raised, clenched fist symbolizing the fight against racism as well as the empowerment of future generations of Black hockey players. All game-worn and issued jerseys worn by the Attack on Feb. 3 will be auctioned off online through the Attacks DASH auction page, which will be open for bids from Jan. 29 to Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. In the episode Taos discussed: NHL Video Game Experience: Taos shares his experience of being included in an NHL video game, highlighting the significance of representation in gaming. Background and Early Hockey Journey: Taos talks about growing up in Brooklyn, Ontario, and his experiences learning to skate and play hockey with his father.His cultural background, with his grandparents being from Jamaica. Diversity in Hockey: Discussion about the diversity within Tess's hockey teams and his experiences as a minority player in the sport. Junior Hockey Career: Taos shares his journey through junior hockey, including his time with the Central Ontario Wolves and his draft experience with the Owen Sound Attack. Role Models and Inspirations: Taos discusses his hockey role models, including NHL players like P.K. Subban and Wayne Simmonds, as well as local inspirations.Taos describes his playing style as a defensive defenseman and shares his goals for improving his offensive skills.His leadership role in advocating for diversity and inclusion in hockey. Initiatives for Black History Month: Taos talks about his efforts to raise awareness and celebrate Black History Month through special jerseys and community outreach.Mention of the historical significance of black settlers in the Owen Sound region.Taos discusses his personal experiences with racism in hockey and the importance of collective action to address racism and promote inclusivity.Positive experiences of support and encouragement from teammates and fans in the face of racism. Community Engagement and Mentorship: Taos reflects on his role as a mentor and role model for young black hockey players, emphasizing the importance of representation and support.Taos shares memorable moments from his OHL career, including his first goal, and discusses his aspirations of playing in the NHL. Education and Personal Development: Taos talks about balancing hockey with education and his plans for furthering his studies while pursuing his hockey career.Taos emphasizes the need for greater diversity in hockey audiences and encourages fans to engage with players from diverse backgrounds. For CHL new and tickets visit chl.ca To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.org The see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.com Produced by Podstarter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

03/04/2024

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26 min

Purpose driven storytelling that builds awareness, advocacy and action.