Rooted Here

The Bamboo Pod
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Rooted Here, a Bamboo Shoots podcast hosted by Dran Chetty, features deep, one-hour conversations with the leaders, creators, and visionaries shaping our province Saskatchewan. This series goes beyond surface-level success to share the raw "human story" of local changemakers—from their early beginnings and the hurdles they overcame, to their current passions and the lasting legacy they want to leave on the community.  It is a dedicated space celebrating inspiring growth, resilience, and the people making a genuine difference right where they are. 

  1. 4d ago ·  Video

    Be Authentic, Ask For Help: Leadership, Resilience, and Rethinking Aging

    What if asking for help gives someone else the chance to make a difference? In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Debbie Brown from the Saskatoon Council on Aging to explore authenticity, resilience and what it means to lead with care. Debbie reflects on growing up in rural Saskatchewan, the teachers who shaped her understanding of leadership and the importance of respecting different perspectives. She shares how learning to embrace her own voice helped her become an advocate for others, and why being authentic is advice she continues to pass on to her grandchildren. The conversation takes a personal turn as Debbie recounts facing breast cancer while living in Manitoba, away from family. Accustomed to handling challenges independently, she came to recognize the support she could have reached for and the value of allowing others to help. She also reflects on raising three children on her own and how the moves she once worried about ultimately helped them develop confidence and adaptability. Her experiences in politics and advising farm families offer further lessons in leadership, trust and navigating change. Debbie discusses why sensitive conversations require strong relationships, how good leaders draw on the knowledge of those around them and why a passion for helping needs to be matched with the skills to do it well. Through her work with older adults, Debbie challenges assumptions about aging and emphasizes the importance of dignity and informed decision-making. She explains how accessible resources can help people navigate legal and family matters while maintaining control over their own lives. The discussion also explores the pressures facing people who are raising children while caring for aging parents. Debbie raises an important question about aging at home: how do we help people remain connected as well as independent? She reflects on loneliness, the need for community spaces and the everyday interactions that give people a sense of belonging and purpose. At its heart, this is a conversation about embracing who you are, making room for support and measuring your legacy through the lives you touch. Learn more about Saskatoon Council on Aging here: https://www.scoa.ca/ This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network.  Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod.  Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram.  Check out the Rooted Here series for more conversations with local entrepreneurs, innovators and community leaders.

    Be Authentic, Ask For Help: Leadership, Resilience, and Rethinking Aging

  2. Oct 26 ·  Video

    Rooted Here | One Hour a Week: Mentorship, Belonging, and Leading with Empathy

    What difference can one hour a week make in a young person’s life? In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Kim Megyesi, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon and Area, to explore mentorship, belonging and what it means to lead with empathy. Kim reflects on growing up in a small town in Washington State and moving to Saskatoon for a two-year volunteer placement. That experience introduced her to Big Brothers Big Sisters, a leader who became her mentor and a career in the nonprofit sector. After returning to the United States and working in victim services and seniors care, she eventually found her way back to Saskatoon and the organization that first inspired her. The conversation explores how a consistent, caring relationship can help young people build confidence, navigate adversity and see new possibilities for their future. Kim explains how school-based mentoring brings volunteers and students together for an hour a week, using games, activities and conversation to build trust. She also discusses why support remains critical as young people transition into adulthood, particularly those leaving foster care. Kim shares the challenges of recruiting volunteers, raising funds and responding to growing mental health needs among children and families. She explains how partnerships with mental health professionals help equip mentors to provide additional support, and why young people benefit from seeing mentors who share their backgrounds and lived experiences. The conversation also turns to leadership. Kim reflects on learning to balance external relationships and fundraising with caring for her own team. She discusses flexible work, clear expectations and a coaching culture that helps employees feel supported while remaining accountable. At its heart, this is a conversation about showing up, building belonging and how small, consistent commitments can have a lasting impact. Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters: https://bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/ This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network. Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod. Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram. Check out the Rooted Here series for more conversations with local entrepreneurs, innovators and community leaders.

    Rooted Here | One Hour a Week: Mentorship, Belonging, and Leading with Empathy

  3. Oct 17 ·  Video

    Leaders Eat Last: Lessons in Leading, Adapting, and Growing Others

    What does it take to grow a business while giving others room to lead? In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Mathew Cey, CEO of Morris Interactive, to explore the relationships, challenges and experiences that shaped his approach to leadership. Mathew reflects on growing up in Wilkie, the work ethic he learned from his family and the unexpected lessons he gained while working as a waiter during university. He shares how learning to read a room, understand people and handle rejection helped him begin his career in sales and start a business with Ron Morris in 2003. The conversation follows Morris Interactive’s evolution from leadership and customer service training into a broader consulting and learning business. Mathew explains how listening to clients opened new opportunities and how relationships with First Nations and Métis organizations shaped the company’s work. He speaks about earning trust through keeping promises, showing up and helping communities develop the skills and capacity to carry their work forward. Mathew also reflects on the uncertainty of entrepreneurship, including losing 60% of the company’s revenue during COVID. He shares how the team adapted to changing client needs, recovered and repaid the wages employees had temporarily given up to help the business through that period. Throughout the episode, Mathew returns to the idea that leadership is service. He discusses knowing when to step in and when to step back, listening to people who disagree with you and creating a workplace where people feel valued. He also considers the role of AI, Saskatchewan’s community spirit and how his definition of success has expanded to include health, family and the growth of others. At its heart, this is a conversation about building trust, adapting through change and helping people succeed while staying connected to the community you call home. Learn more about Morris Interactive here: www.morrisinteractive.ca This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network. Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod.  Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram.  Check out the Rooted Here series for more conversations with local entrepreneurs, innovators and community leaders.

    Leaders Eat Last: Lessons in Leading, Adapting, and Growing Others

  4. Oct 10 ·  Video

    Miyo-pimâtisiwin: A life rooted in culture and purpose

    What does it truly mean to live a good life? In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Michael Linklater, community leader, professional speaker and former national team athlete, to explore miyo-pimâtisiwin, a Cree teaching centred on living a good life through kindness, respect, love and balance. Michael reflects on growing up connected to his culture and ceremony, and how those teachings became the foundation for his success. He shares how wearing his hair in a braid helped him find his voice as a child, even while facing bullying and misunderstanding. The conversation also explores Michael’s journey through basketball, from being cut from the first team he tried out for to competing professionally around the world and becoming a member of Canada’s first senior men’s 3x3 national team. Michael shares how sport taught him discipline, preparation, teamwork and the importance of leading by example. He explains why effective leaders must listen, understand the strengths of the people around them and help each person perform at their highest level. He also discusses the importance of investing in young people, creating healthy places to belong and supporting families and communities. From helping build the Pawâtêtân Basketball Court in downtown Saskatoon, named after the Cree word for “let’s dream together,” to creating opportunities for Indigenous athletes, Michael reflects on why giving back is a responsibility. At it’s heart, this is a conversation about culture, identity, perseverance and using the opportunities we receive to leave something better for those who come after us. This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network. Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod. Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram. Check out the Rooted Here series for more conversations with local entrepreneurs, innovators and community leaders.

    Miyo-pimâtisiwin: A life rooted in culture and purpose

  5. Oct 3 ·  Video

    Sink or Swim: A Story of Sport, Leadership, and Community.

    How does a career in sports journalism shape the way you lead? In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Nicole Betker, Director of Lottery and Communications at Sask Sport, to talk about the people, experiences and opportunities that shaped her path. Nicole reflects on growing up in Regina, moving to Toronto to study journalism and beginning her career as a sports reporter. She shares what covering athletes and teams taught her about curiosity, resilience and finding your place in sport, even when you are not the one on the field. The conversation turns to Nicole’s work at Sask Sport and the reach of Saskatchewan Lotteries. She explains how lottery proceeds support sport, culture and recreation across the province, including programs that help children and families participate. She also speaks about the volunteers who make those opportunities possible and the challenge of finding enough people with time to give. Nicole shares the leadership lessons she learned from mentors who trusted her to find her own way. Today, she leads by asking questions, understanding what matters to each person on her team and giving them the confidence to grow. She also reflects on her family, the value of community and why a career does not always follow the path you first imagined. At its heart, this is a conversation about finding your way, giving others room to grow and the people who make Saskatchewan communities stronger. Learn more about Sask Sport: www.sasksport.ca This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network. Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod. Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram. Check out the Rooted Here series for more conversations with local entrepreneurs, innovators and community leaders.

    Sink or Swim: A Story of Sport, Leadership, and Community.

  6. Sep 26 ·  Video

    Building Saskatoon: The Lawyer Behind the Landmarks

    What does it take to turn a bold vision into lasting progress? In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Doug Richardson, a Saskatoon lawyer, community advocate and special counsel to the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), to explore a career shaped by leadership, relationships and a deep commitment to his city. Doug reflects on growing up in a family grounded in community service and how his early interest in public speaking led him to a career in law. He shares how that career evolved from criminal and family law into development, public policy and some of the projects that have helped shape modern Saskatoon. The conversation explores Doug’s involvement in major initiatives, including downtown redevelopment, Preston Crossing, River Landing, Canada’s first urban reserve and the creation of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority. He reflects on the partnerships behind these projects and why meaningful progress is rarely the work of one person. Doug also discusses Saskatoon’s role in world-class research, including the Canadian Light Source synchrotron, the National Hydrology Research Centre and VIDO. He explains why strengthening Canada’s vaccine research and manufacturing capacity is essential to preparing for future pandemics and why attracting and training leading scientists remains a national priority. Throughout the conversation, Doug shares candid lessons about leadership, public service and the importance of supporting those willing to step forward. He challenges people to move beyond criticizing from the sidelines and become active participants in building stronger communities. At its heart, this is a conversation about teamwork, tenacity, civic responsibility and the legacy created when people turn ideas into action because hope alone is not a plan. Learn more about VIDO: https://www.vido.org/ This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network. Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod. Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram. Check out the Rooted Here series for more conversations with local entrepreneurs, innovators and community leaders.

    Building Saskatoon: The Lawyer Behind the Landmarks

  7. Sep 12 ·  Video

    Beyond the Screen: The Future of Saskatchewan Film

    What if film became Saskatchewan’s fourth “F”—alongside food, fuel, and fertilizer? In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Robert Hardy, Executive Director of ScreenSask, to explore the vision of growing Saskatchewan’s film and television sector into a $500-million-a-year industry. Robert’s career has taken him through government relations, public relations, broadcasting, writing, directing, producing, and television development. Despite the different roles, one thread has remained constant: helping people tell their stories. That experience leads into a bigger conversation about the business behind the screen. Robert explains how film and television productions bring outside investment into Saskatchewan and create opportunities far beyond actors and filmmakers. Productions spend money on local crews, accommodations, food, construction materials, transportation, locations, and services—allowing businesses and communities across the province to participate in the industry’s growth. He also discusses ScreenSask’s goal of helping create 1,000 new jobs over the next decade, developing local talent through apprenticeships, attracting larger productions, and building partnerships that can bring Saskatchewan stories to audiences around the world. The conversation also explores leadership, failure, and what it takes to turn an ambitious vision into meaningful growth. Robert shares why leaders must inspire rather than simply manage. He explores the importance of viewing every new possibility as either an “opportunity or distraction,” and why successful people must learn to move through fear and anxiety rather than wait for them to disappear. At its heart, this is a conversation about storytelling, economic opportunity, and why Saskatchewan may be capable of building something much bigger than it realizes. Learn more about ScreenSask: https://screensask.com/ This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network. Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod. Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram. Check out the Rooted Here series for more conversations with local entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders.

    Beyond the Screen: The Future of Saskatchewan Film

  8. Sep 5 ·  Video

    From Storytelling to Speaking for Business

    Before Keith Moen became a spokesperson for Saskatoon’s businesses, he spent years telling stories through freelance journalism and even ran his own publication for a time. In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Keith Moen, Executive Director of the North Saskatoon Business Association, to explore an unexpected path from a Saskatchewan farm to journalism, publishing, and ultimately, a role speaking up for Saskatoon’s business community. Keith shares how an interest in sports and a talent for writing opened possibilities beyond the family farm. But finding his direction took time through university struggles, labouring jobs, retail sales, and eventually 17 years of freelance work covering sports, agriculture, and business. Along the way, he experienced the realities of entrepreneurship firsthand. The conversation also explores the people who helped Keith recognize new opportunities, the importance of preparation over natural talent, and why he encourages emerging leaders to become comfortable speaking in uncomfortable situations. That personal story leads into a bigger conversation about Saskatoon. Keith shares his perspective on the industries driving growth, the challenges of attracting workers, and the uncertainty that can put investment decisions on hold. We discuss business advocacy, municipal red tape, downtown activity, and why Saskatchewan’s food, fuel, fertilizer, and technology sectors give him reasons to remain optimistic. At its heart, this is a conversation about how a varied working life shapes a leader and what it means to represent people whose livelihoods depend on taking chances. Learn more about NSBA: https://www.nsbasask.com/ This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network. Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod. Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram. Check out the Rooted Here series for more conversations with local entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders.

    From Storytelling to Speaking for Business
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About

Rooted Here, a Bamboo Shoots podcast hosted by Dran Chetty, features deep, one-hour conversations with the leaders, creators, and visionaries shaping our province Saskatchewan. This series goes beyond surface-level success to share the raw "human story" of local changemakers—from their early beginnings and the hurdles they overcame, to their current passions and the lasting legacy they want to leave on the community.  It is a dedicated space celebrating inspiring growth, resilience, and the people making a genuine difference right where they are. 

Information

  • Creator
    The Bamboo Pod
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rooted Here
  • Show Website
    Rooted Here