Storied Places Media

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Channel • 6 Shows

Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated Jun 30
Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

Updated Monthly
Investing

Investing

Updated May 26
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Business

Updated Weekly
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Government

Updated 12/26/2025
Business

Business

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Jun 30

Trust-Based Relationships with A Dollar A Day’s Heather Spratt

The Dollar A Day Foundation is both a charity and funder that supports grassroots mental health and addictions organizations across Canada. In this episode, Executive Director Heather Spratt explains the foundation’s unusual model—recurring donations pooled and granted out, with 100% of individual gifts going to grantees—and its trust-based approach that lets organizations decide how to use funds. We discuss the origin story of the “dollar a day” idea (featuring Canadian music legend Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea), how an overemphasis on accountability can create barriers, and how stories help people see the impact their support is making. 00:00 Introduction 02:07 Meet Heather Spratt 02:55 A Dollar A Day Foundation’s Mission and Origin Story 06:44 Their Trust-Based Funding Model 12:13 Lean and Transparent Operations 13:12 Storytelling And Stigma 16:13 Impact At Scale 17:28 Workplace Giving Program 19:38 Advice And New Priorities 21:57 Final Thoughts And Outro Find out more about A Dollar A Day Foundation Website: adollaraday.caFacebook: facebook.com/adollaradayfdnLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dollar-a-day-foundationYouTube: youtube.com/@adollaradayfoundationInstagram: instagram.com/adollaradayfdn About the Raising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits podcast Raising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits is a podcast for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and community-minded professionals who want to use storytelling more intentionally. Each episode features conversations about how story builds connection, strengthens fundraising, and supports long-term growth. Grounded in the realities of nonprofit work, the podcast explores practical ideas, lived experience, and real-world approaches to communication, community, and impact. If your organization could use help turning its stories into stronger fundraising, visit collaborativecause.ca. New episodes are released monthly. Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to be notified when they’re published. The podcast is hosted by Tanya Wall and Michelle Samson, and is produced by Storied Places Media.
Apr 28

“Living, Breathing” Stories with Shakespearience’s Marvin Karon

Atlantic Impact is now Raising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits. We’re expanding beyond Atlantic Canada and speaking with organizations across the country about how they're using storytelling in their work. In this episode, we venture to Ontario to speak with Marvin Karon, Director of Shakespearience Performing Arts, which uses interactive Shakespeare-based programs to challenge young people (and adults) and build soft skills like confidence, communication, and resilience. Throughout the conversation, he tells powerful stories of how some of his students were transformed, while weaving in practical advice for nonprofits like how Shakespearience built an inventory of over a thousand testimonials, why video is the next frontier, and the importance of making sure your storytelling is “a living, breathing thing.” 00:00 Season Relaunch and Guest Intro01:47 Mission, Programs, and How Shakespeare Transforms Students08:53 The Power of Shakespearean Language09:56 The Challenge of Awareness13:25 Collecting Testimonials and Video Proof16:38 How Shakespearience Gathered 1,000 Testimonials19:12 Consent and Media Release Basics20:09 Student Story: From Inferiority to Empowerment24:04 Storytelling Advice for Other Nonprofits25:32 How Listeners Can Help and Why It Matters31:08 Final Reflections and Closing Credits Find out more about Shakespearience Performing Arts Website: shakespearience.caFacebook: facebook.com/ShakespeariencePerformingArtsYouTube: youtube.com/@shakespearienceperforminga5667“Sizzle Reel”: youtu.be/JS3O5bZhby0?si=_R9FaFFYsYEYf0il About the Raising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits podcast Raising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits, is a podcast where we explore how storytelling helps nonprofits strengthen fundraising and move their missions forward. Each episode features conversations with people working in community, sharing how story supports connection, impact, and long-term growth. Whether you're part of a nonprofit or simply care about your community, this podcast invites you to listen, reflect, and engage. If your organization could use help turning its stories into stronger fundraising, visit collaborativecause.ca. New episodes are released monthly. Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to be notified when they’re published. The podcast is hosted by Tanya Wall and Michelle Samson, and is produced by Storied Places Media.
10/28/2025

The Power of Storytelling for Nonprofits with GoodSeeker’s Erik Ayers

In the inaugural episode, co-hosts Tanya Wall and Michelle Samson introduce the origin story and mission of the series, which aims to help Atlantic Canada nonprofits leverage storytelling to enhance fundraising and community engagement. Then they sit down with Erik Ayers, Founder and CTO of GoodSeeker, to discuss the data-backed benefits of storytelling, how small stories are crucial for building trust and visibility, and how nonprofits can systematically collect and use stories to engage stakeholders and boost donor contributions. 00:00 Introduction to The Atlantic Impact00:51 The Origin Story of the Podcast05:31 Introducing Erik Ayers and GoodSeeker08:40 The Power of Small Stories11:42 How Storytelling Helps Build Relationships14:50 Advice for Collecting and Sharing Stories, and the Power of Prompts18:22 Data on Eroding Trust in Nonprofits (And How to Build Trust)21:27 More Advice on Writing Good Story Prompts23:38 What Organizations Gain By Capturing and Organizing Stories25:29 Barriers and Challenges in Story Collection and How to Address Them29:17 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Find out more about GoodSeeker GoodSeeker website: goodseeker.comGoodSeeker on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/goodseeker-inc About the Atlantic IMPACT podcast Atlantic IMPACT is a podcast that helps nonprofits across Atlantic Canada use storytelling to drive fundraising and awareness. Each episode features conversations with people working in community, sharing how story supports connection, impact, and long-term growth. Whether you're part of a nonprofit or simply care about your community, this podcast invites you to listen, reflect, and engage. Is your organization ready to tell its story? Take the free Storytelling Readiness Quiz at collaborativecause.ca/stories. The podcast is hosted by Tanya Wall and Michelle Samson, and is produced by Storied Places Media.
05/16/2025

The Pros and Cons of Local Supply Chains

In this episode, hosts Brendan Sweeney and Michelle Samson dive into a new Trillium Data Bulletin about Ontario’s dairy product manufacturing industry and what it teaches us about the benefits and drawbacks of local supply chains. They also discuss the local cheese that makes Windsor-style pizza famous. 00:20 Hot Off the Press: Dairy Product Manufacturing Data Bulletin02:36 How Dairy is Different From Other Manufacturing Industries05:05 Geographical Distribution of Dairy Production in Ontario06:54 The Cheese That Makes Windsor-Style Pizza10:16 The Big and Small Players in Ontario’s Dairy Industry12:07 The Industry’s High Productivity and Economic Impact14:21 Dairy Imports and Exports17:07 Advantages and Drawbacks of Local Supply Chains24:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Read the Data Bulletin Churn and Learn: What Ontario’s Dairy Industry Teaches Us About Local Supply Chains https://trilliummfg.ca/data-bulletin/ontario-dairy-supply-chains/ Find Out More About Trillium Trillium website: trilliummfg.caTrillium GIS: trilliumgis.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfgX/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfgInstagram: instagram.com/trilliummfgFacebook: facebook.com/trilliummfgOld ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past About the Making it in Ontario Podcast Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.
01/17/2025

Martinrea’s Rob Wildeboer on Geopolitics, EVs, and Crises

Season 11 is kicking off with one of the most important people in Canadian manufacturing today. Rob Wildeboer is the Executive Chair of Vaughan-based Martinrea International, one of the few Canadian companies that consistently make the Auto News ‘Top 100’ Global suppliers list. As we enter what’s sure to be a dynamic year for politics and industry, Rob shares frank opinions on trade & tariffs, geopolitics, the transition to EVs, lessons learned from past crises, and why he’s still bullish about automotive. This episode is guest hosted by Greg Keenan, the Trillium Network’s Strategic Adviser and an automotive industry journalist with three decades of experience at the Globe & Mail. 00:22 Reflecting on Season 1001:23 Introducing Rob Wildeboer03:44 Martinrea’s Founding and Expansion Story08:03 The EV Transition10:38 Why EVs Are Doing Well in China12:19 Three Existential Issues Automotive is Facing16:50 Rob’s Insights on the USMCA Renegotiation and Tariff Threats32:10 Is Canada Competitive?34:12 The EV Slowdown’s Impact on Martinrea38:19 Lessons Learned From Past Crises and Future Outlook Find Out More About Martinrea International Martinrea website: martinrea.com Find Out More About Trillium Trillium website: trilliummfg.caTrillium GIS: trilliumgis.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfgX/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfgInstagram: instagram.com/trilliummfgFacebook: facebook.com/trilliummfgOld ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past About the Making it in Ontario Podcast Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.
04/25/2025

Biomanufacturing 101 With OmniaBio

In this episode, we find out how biomanufacturing is similar to and distinct from other kinds of manufacturing with Mitchel Sivilotti, CEO of OmniaBio. Mitchel takes us through OmniaBio’s journey from its germination in the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM) in Toronto to opening a 100,000 square foot facility in Hamilton. We chat about what OmniaBio learned about manufacturing from Toyota, how robotics and AI are influencing patient outcomes, and the value of ecosystem partnerships. Got a burning question about manufacturing? Submit it to our new ‘Ask Brendan Anything’ segment by DM’ing us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfg 00:17 Intro to OmniaBio and Biomanufacturing06:28 Interview with Mitchell Sivilotti, CEO of OmniaBio07:23 Mitchell's Journey in Biomanufacturing10:39 Inside OmniaBio's Buildings in Hamilton and Toronto15:57 Why OmniaBio Chose Hamilton for Its Hamilton Flagship21:21 How OmniaBio Was Inspired By Toyota and Automotive Manufacturing25:31 Robotics, AI, and Other Technologies in Biomanufacturing31:25 OmniaBio’s Ecosystem Partnerships35:20 Using Ontario’s Full Range of Co-op Programs36:18 What’s Next for OmniaBio Featured Report Trillium at 10 Strategy Report: trilliummfg.ca/initiatives/news/trillium_at_10/ Find Out More about OmniaBio and CCRM OmniaBio website: omniabio.comCentre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine website: ccrm.ca Find Out More About Trillium Trillium website: trilliummfg.caTrillium GIS: trilliumgis.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfgX/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfgInstagram: instagram.com/trilliummfgFacebook: facebook.com/trilliummfgOld ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past About the Making it in Ontario Podcast Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.
05/23/2025

Hydrocool: Boosting a Hydrogen-Powered Future in Ontario

This episode features Will Harney, the CEO of Hydrocool and a former Magna executive. After a career in automotive operations and R&D at Magna—playing a role in its 1987 Vehma Torrero concept car—he co-founded Hydrocool, a startup that’s building hydrogen-powered refrigeration units for transport trailers. Will shares his perspective on automotive R&D and on the possibility of a Canadian-owned car company, the exciting applications of hydrogen fuel cells, and why he thinks hydrogen could replace diesel sooner than you think. 04:17 Will Harney's Experience at Magna09:20 Lessons from the Vehma Torrero for Building a Canadian Car Company12:50 Does Canada Already Have an OEM?18:50 The Process and Value of Automotive R&D23:09 How NGen’s EV Manufacturing Value Chain Program Led To Hydrocool30:19 How Hydrogen Works and Why It Could Be Everywhere Soon38:31 Hydrocool’s R&D Foundation41:11 Collaborations and Partnerships Find Out More about Hydrocool and Other Mentioned Projects Hydrocool website: hydrocool.caHydrocool Inquiries: info@hydrocoolsystems.comNGen project: https://www.ngen.ca/hubfs/NGenEVReportMarch2022.pdf Magna Torrero webpage: magna.com/company/company-information/facts-history/magna-torrero Find Out More About Trillium Trillium website: trilliummfg.caTrillium GIS: trilliumgis.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfgX/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfgInstagram: instagram.com/trilliummfgFacebook: facebook.com/trilliummfgOld ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past About the Making it in Ontario Podcast Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.
11/11/2025

The Five I’s of Storytelling with VRHF’s Hillary Webb

People relate to people, not institutions. That’s why Hillary Webb, the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation’s Fund Development Manager, thinks of fundraisers as not just facilitators of funds but as stewards of stories. In this episode, Hillary shares her helpful and actionable “Five I’s of Storytelling,” advice for sharing sensitive or negative stories, and why she doesn’t see charitable organizations as competitors. 00:41 Guest Introduction: Hillary Webb03:45 Fundraisers: Facilitators of Funds, Stewards of Stories06:53 Impactful Example: Sharon’s Story09:40 The Five I's of Storytelling13:50 Correcting Perceptions of How Healthcare is Funded16:07 How Hillary Collects Stories18:40 Collaboration in Atlantic Canada’s Nonprofit Sector21:10 Sharing Sensitive or Negative Stories27:56 The Experience For People Whose Stories Are Told30:43 Strengthening Social Media Through Trial and Error34:14 VRHF’s Current Needs and How to Support Find out more about the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation VRHF Website: vrhfoundation.caVRHF Facebook: facebook.com/vrhfoundationVRHF Instagram: instagram.com/vrh_foundation About the Atlantic IMPACT podcast Atlantic IMPACT is a podcast that helps nonprofits across Atlantic Canada use storytelling to drive fundraising and awareness. Each episode features conversations with people working in community, sharing how story supports connection, impact, and long-term growth. Whether you're part of a nonprofit or simply care about your community, this podcast invites you to listen, reflect, and engage. Is your organization ready to tell its story? Take the free Storytelling Readiness Quiz at collaborativecause.ca/stories. The podcast is hosted by Tanya Wall and Michelle Samson, and is produced by Storied Places Media.
09/25/2023

Small Business Owners Reveal Why They Succeed Here

In this episode, we explore what it's like to run a small business in Strathroy-Caradoc by talking to the owners of two local businesses: In a Jam and CommonWealth Financial. Listen to find out how they got started, how they grew their businesses, and what it is about Strathroy-Caradoc that creates the ideal environment for them to thrive. Debbie and Jeff McCallum are the owners of In a Jam in Melbourne. Website Patrick Sanders is the co-owner of CommonWealth Financial in Strathroy. WebsiteFacebook Strathroy-Caradoc is a growing and vibrant municipality centrally located in southwestern Ontario, Canada, between Toronto and Detroit. We are a dynamic combination of urban and rural areas which provide opportunities for a range of business and industry. Economic Development websiteFacebook Instagram: @strathcaradoc Learn more about the Strathroy business community via the Downtown Strathroy BIA and the Strathroy & District Chamber of Commerce. About the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast Strathroy-Caradoc is a place where people and businesses grow deep roots. With a population of 24,000 people. It would be easy to assume that Strathroy-Caradoc is a sleepy part of Southwest Ontario, but new residents and businesses—from independent shops to multinational power players—are flocking here. Listen to the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast to find out why. If you’re an investor, learn about our value proposition, key sectors, and available properties at investstrathroy-caradoc.ca. The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media. Learn more about our podcast production services for economic development organizations at storiedplaces.ca.
09/12/2025

Canola or Automotive: Which Contributes More to the Economy?

This episode of 'Making it in Ontario' unpacks a new data bulletin by the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing that examines claims that the canola industry contributes $43 billion worth of GDP to Canada's economy, more than the automotive, steel, and aluminum sectors combined. Hosts Michelle Samson and Brendan Sweeney discuss the flawed methodology that generated that total, how the Trillium Network generated a more accurate number, and the importance of responsible advocacy. 00:14 A New Narrative About Canola’s Economic Contributions01:22 Debunking the Canola Report03:15 Investigating the Canola Report’s Methodology06:13 Trillium’s Methodology and Findings10:23 Responsible vs. Irresponsible Advocacy11:55 Podcast Updates and Reminders Highlighted Links Trillium Network: Cars & Canola: The Economic Contributions of Two Trade-Impacted Industries https://trilliummfg.ca/data-bulletin/cars-canola-canadas-trade-powerhouses/The Globe and Mail: Auto sector’s benefits outweigh canola industry’s, Ontario think tank says https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-auto-sectors-benefits-outweigh-canola-industrys-ontario-think-tank/National Post: New report challenges canola's $43-billion contribution to GDP https://financialpost.com/commodities/energy/electric-vehicles/report-challenges-canola-43-billion-contribution-gdp?itm_source=indexSt. Thomas Downtown Oktoberfest: https://downtownoktoberfest.weebly.com/ Find Out More About Trillium Trillium website: trilliummfg.caTrillium GIS: trilliumgis.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfgX/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfgInstagram: instagram.com/trilliummfgFacebook: facebook.com/trilliummfgOld ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past About the Making it in Ontario Podcast Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.

Storied Places Media is a podcast production agency that specializes in helping communities tell their stories to drive economic development.

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