The Focal Point Chris Vallee
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- News
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The Focal Point will spearhead in-depth conversations about the stories that are shaping our world. Each week host Chris Vallee and his weekly guest will shine a spotlight on really important conversations. Its first pilot season consists of eight episodes, each episode will serve as an educational tool that is devoted to exploring world changing issues.
New episodes Thursdays 8PM EST
Instagram: @focalpoint.pod
Twitter: @chrisvallee001
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Celebrating Black Creatives
Black creators have been challenged with unfairness. It took black filmmakers decades to find their footing in the industry and restructure how stories are told both in front and behind the camera. Jennifer Holness is committed to amplifying representation and inclusion through her work.
Today, Jenn reflects on her career as a black creative, outlining the many hurdles that she has conquered and how it fueled her passion for change.
Social Media
Instagram: @focalpoint.pod, @chrisvallee001
Twitter: @chrisvallee001 -
Homelessness in Canada
Homelessness is NOT a choice, anyone can become homeless at any time. In fact, a growing 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness each year. Canada must find long-term solutions. How could all three levels of government reduce our homelessness rates?
Peter Tilley is the Executive Director of the Ottawa Misson, a homesless shelter in Ottawa. On today's show, Peter discusses Canada's unfortunate rise in homelessness.
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Instagram: @chrisvallee001, @focalpoint.pod
Twitter: @chrisvallee001 -
Fighting for Trans Rights
Transgender people come from all walks of life. it's an incredibly diverse community representing all ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds.
The word “transgender” is term for people whose gender identity is different from the sex assigned to us at birth.
Today we speak to Sam about their transition journey, the challenges they've faced along the way and their inspiring work in advocacy.
Social media:
Instagram: @focalpoint.pod @chrisvallee001
Twitter: @chrisvallee001 -
Fat Phobia
Fat Phobia: the fear and discrimination towards people with fat bodies. People associate those who have large silhouettes with a certain health status. People see higher-weight people as refusing to take care of themselves. We live in a world that is weight obsessed. These invalid messages are everywhere and they are affecting our daily lives.
Doctor Sarah Nutter is a member of Obesity Canada’s Every Body Matters collaborative who in the past, has struggled with her body image. Sarah discusses widespread weight stigma and how it leads to inequality for individuals with large bodies.
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Instagram: @focalpoint.pod, @chrisvallee001
Twitter: @chrisvallee001 -
Inclusive Content Creation
Social media acts as a powerful teaching tool, a place where all are welcome, a mighty platform that is used to promote inclusivity. While we have seen a great amount of progress, people with disabilities continue to be mocked. This isn't OK.
Mary Mammoliti is part of the blind and partially sighted community, she takes us on her path to self acceptance and shares both her positive and negative experiences as a content creator with a disability.
Follow us on social media!
Instagram: @focalpoint.pod, @chrisvallee001
Twitter: @chrisvallee001 -
Canada's Housing Crisis
The cost of housing in Canada has skyrocketed and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. This is largely impacting our country's most vulnerable: the youngest and the poorest. Why are we seeing a dramatic rise? How do we answer the issue of housing affordability?
On today's show, Jeff Morrison of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association illustrates the housing crisis and how it has impacted Canadians from coast to coast.
Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @focalpoint.pod @chrisvallee001
Twitter: @chrisvallee001