Makers & Shakers

Meres J. Weche

Our goal is to engage in stimulating conversations with a wide range of innovators, creatives, entrepreneurs, and leaders pushing the envelope of what’s possible. Podcast by MeresOfArabia.com.

Episodes

  1. Ep. 9 — Why Toronto still needs to believe in art

    12/13/2025

    Ep. 9 — Why Toronto still needs to believe in art

    In this episode, we speak with Kelly Langgard, Director and CEO of the Toronto Arts Council and Toronto Arts Foundation, about why arts funding matters in a city under pressure. From the 50th anniversary theme “Believe in Art” to paid mentorship, Black arts operating support, and the balance between public and private investment, the conversation reframes culture as essential infrastructure shaping Toronto’s social, economic, and creative future.

    34 min
  2. Episode 8 — From activist to leading Canada's race to climate neutrality

    05/26/2022

    Episode 8 — From activist to leading Canada's race to climate neutrality

    An interview with Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault. We discussed his trip to Ghana to announce a $20 million fund over four years to support four West African countries—Ghana, Liberia, The Gambia, and Togo—with data systems needed to fight climate change.

    17 min
  3. Episode 7 — Championing diversity at work and in sports

    03/01/2022

    Episode 7 — Championing diversity at work and in sports

    An interview with David Rawlings, Chief Executive Officer for JPMorgan Chase & Co. in Canada. We discuss the interesting nexus between sports and the workplace as it pertains to diversity, inclusion, equity and the power of role models and mentorship. We spoke to Rawlings within the context of his participation in a virtual panel titled 'The Chase Diversity Alliance: The Black Experience in Sports and the Workplace,' which was held on February 23, 2022. The goal of the panel discussion was to highlight the too often forgotten history of the contribution of Black players to Canada's national sport and explore concrete ways to help make hockey more inclusive.

    31 min
  4. Episode 6 — Science and adventure on the Arctic seas

    01/29/2022

    Episode 6 — Science and adventure on the Arctic seas

    An interview with French scientist and explorer Éric Brossier who, aboard his polar expedition boat, the Vagabond, conducts scientific experiments with his wife France in the Arctic while raising their two daughters on board as they sail the world.

    30 min
  5. Episode 5 — Exploring the science of food

    01/24/2022

    Episode 5 — Exploring the science of food

    An interview with Anthony Morgan, a molecular research scientist, entrepreneur and guest host of CBC's Chef Secrets: The Science of Cooking. The documentary is a real eye-opener about how science enhances cooking and helps us solve some fundamental food mysteries.

    32 min
  6. Episode 4 — 19 million reasons to invest in Toronto's COVID-hit small businesses and culture

    07/16/2021

    Episode 4 — 19 million reasons to invest in Toronto's COVID-hit small businesses and culture

    An interview with the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Canada's Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages. We discuss the announcement of a $19 million investment by the Government of Canada aimed at bolstering the city of Toronto's economic recovery in light of the significant challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We place a particular focus on Black-owned businesses in Toronto's Little Jamaica neighbourhood.

    18 min
  7. Episode 3 — Telling the story of Extreme E

    04/20/2021

    Episode 3 — Telling the story of Extreme E

    An interview with Ali Russell, Extreme E Chief Marketing Officer. The five-race global electric SUV off-road racing series aims to leverage the power and popularity of motorsports to raise awareness about climate change by holding races in extreme environments around the world which have already been damaged or affected by climate and environmental issues.

    24 min
  8. Episode 2 — Dancing around the white saviour complex

    06/17/2020

    Episode 2 — Dancing around the white saviour complex

    An interview with South African-born professional ballet dancer Siphesihle November. The young Second Soloist from the National Ballet of Canada discusses his amazing journey from the Zolani township to inspiring a new generation on a global stage.

    29 min
  9. Episode 1 — Keeping CONTACT with photography

    04/13/2020

    Episode 1 — Keeping CONTACT with photography

    An interview with Darcy Killeen, executive director of the annual Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival.

    25 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Our goal is to engage in stimulating conversations with a wide range of innovators, creatives, entrepreneurs, and leaders pushing the envelope of what’s possible. Podcast by MeresOfArabia.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Meres J. Weche
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Makers & Shakers