Welcome to The Conversation Changers Podcast

We're a group of Storytellers & Catalysts composed of people wanting to change the conversation about poverty.

We craft our stories to target each of our areas of passion such as health care, animal rights, education, the law, and the arts; to explain how poverty influences all aspects of these areas.

Production Team: Laura W., Todd C., Rebecca T., Matt B.

Placement Students who've helped us along the way: Adele C., Camille D.

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Episode 1

An Introduction to the Team

In our first episode, we're introduced to our two hosts, Todd and Laura. Here we learn about who the Conversation Changers are and what they're about. We're here to change the conversation about poverty in Peterborough, Ontario and beyond!

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Episode 2

Talk about a Shit Storm! Part 1

In our second episode, we talk about how to tell a story.

We speak with one of the Bridging Team program co-founders, Lynn Smith-Reeve.

Lynn dives right into a time in her life where she and her family deal with one hell of a shit storm!

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Episode 3

Talk about a Shit Storm! Part 2

In Episode three, we continue down the path of the shit storm with Allan Smith-Reeve. Under the Bridges Peterborough umbrella, he collaborates with a collective of people in the community to support the Catalysts journey, along with Bridging Teams and Neighbour's Network.

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Episode 4

We're talking with David Marshall

Part 1 of the Bridging Team (BT) Mentor Series

David has been a Bridging Team Mentor and supporter for a number of years.

David shares his insights with Todd and Laura around life, community and being part of the Bridging Team group.

You can often find David hummming a random tune and happily regaling the group in song.

 

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Episode 5

Sharing Stories around Religious Gatherings

Content Disclaimer: Please be advised that some of the subject matter deals with past trauma past child and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Laura, Todd, and LA describe their different experiences attending a United Church congregation, on Zoom.

They also each share personal details from their past experiences with religious gatherings and how their attitudes towards them have changed over time.

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Episode 6

We're talking with Mary Gordon

Part 2 of the Bridging Team (BT) Mentor Series

Mary was a Mentor in the Pilot Bridging Team in 2016/17.

Laura and Todd interview Mary about herself and involvement with Bridges Peterborough over the years.

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Episode 7

We're speaking with Todd Coombes!

Part 1 of the Catalysts Series.

Laura interviews Todd about his experience with juvenile onset diabetes.

Todd is a past Bridging Team Catalyst and current Mentor. Todd's been with Bedford House and Bridges Peterborough from the beginning.

Todd is also one of the Writers and Animators for the Podcast. He is the Treasurer with the Company of Conversation Changers.

Episode 8

We're talking about the Importance of Language!

In this episode Laura and Todd discuss the importance of Language.  They share their experiences of understanding when to say the right thing and when to drop an F bomb!

Episode 9

We're speaking with our Bridges Peterborough Placement Student

Adele share on the importance of community connection and mental health. Her contributions
and energy are highly valued by those she works with.

Episode 10

The Value of Therapy

In this episode, join Todd, Rebecca, Laura, Adele, Lynn and Allan as we talk about therapy and the value of being well connected to one's therapist. We also have a montage of comments on the varieties of talk therapy.

Episode 11

The Mental Health benefits of being on a Bridging Team

Catalyst members discuss the mental health benefits of being a part of a Bridging Team.

 

Episode 12

Another great interview with our Fleming College placement student, Camille!

In this episode, join us as we have a conversation with Camille, her experiences, and time as a placement student with Bridges Peterborough.

 

Episode 13

Poverty Premium

In this episode, we'll be hearing from Rebecca talk about her experience with payday lenders, and the high cost of low income. As a member of CCC, Rebecca has been working towards becoming a Facilitator of one of the new Bridging Teams starting in early 2023.

 

Episode 14

We're talking to Ralph Gutkin
In this episode, we're joined by Ralph Gutkin. We'll be speaking to him about his social enterprise Clean Slate. Ralph's been apart of the Bridges journey almost since its inception over 5 years ago. He's also the president of The Company of Conversation Changers, and will be co-leading a new Bridging Team in early 2023.
Copyright, The Conversation Changers Podcast, 2022/23
Disclaimer:
Bridges Peterborough (BP) offers and holds space for this podcast as a public service. We feel the work coming out of The Company of Conversation Changers (CCC) is vital, educational and transformative. It is however, neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of BP policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by BP. The views expressed by guests are respectfully their own. Their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by BP employees are those of the employees. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please visit our Mission/Vision page, or contact us at support@bridgespeterborough.ca .