Mo Waja Presents: Toronto Story Archive

Growing up, Kojo didn't consider himself an athlete. As a youth, football was something far off - an idea thought about, but never really pursued. But at the tail end of his high school career, that all changed. Kojo may have been late to the game, but the game was ready for him. It would only be in university, after a tragic event unlocked hitherto unfelt emotion, that football stopped being just a game and instead became a career - setting him on a path to play first for the Toronto Argonauts and then later the BC Lions. Discussing professional sports, self-worth, and athletics in Toronto. 

Tanya's a friendly person. The kind of person who goes out of her way to meet five new people every week - and often those people become her friends. In fact, her dedication to the pursuit of friendship and connection is such that she built an organization, Toronto Business Casual, around that very concept. But making new friends, especially as an adult, can be difficult. Why? Well a lot of it comes down to time, energy, and the preconceptions we have about adult friendships. Discussing networking, the art of human connection, and making friends in Toronto.

On May 28, 2016 Bartender Atlas launched with just over 50 bartenders. Now, they have around 400 bartenders listed on their site with more added every week. What is Bartender Atlas? That’s a question for the experts. Discussing cocktail culture, what makes a good bartender, and bartending around the world.

One person does something and it works, and people buy into it, then everybody kind of takes that template changes a small thing and then reapplies the same concept. That's when people get bored and that's exactly what the founders of Figures Toronto and &Company were looking to break. From the heart of Mississauga to Yorkville in Toronto, Nader and his brother wanted two things: to break the mold of Toronto's dining and cocktail experience, and to build a place that was very Toronto to give back to the city that had done so much for them. Discussing the dining experience, the value of local, and Toronto's hospitality sector.

Rosemarie Sarno had always been kind of a geek. So, for her, becoming an active cosplayer was simply the natural evolution of her passion for comic books, gaming, and costuming. But back when Rosemarie, (now better known by her handle RosieStormborn) was first discovering her passion, geek culture still carried with it an air of taboo - something reserved for only the small corners of the social community. Now, all that has changed. As cosplay culture and cosplay celebrity culture continues to become more mainstream, the cosplay community is changing, and RosieStormborn has front row seats to that evolution. Discussing cosplay, cosplay as a business, and the cosplay community.  

Chatting with Tom Dekker, one of the leaders of the Hands Off Our Harnesses movement. "The Canadian General Standards Board has drafted a set of standards which, if implemented, would impose conditions on the training and use of service dogs. The standard includes guide dogs which are dogs for the blind and visually impaired, and are therefore, by definition, not merely service dogs. Further, the content of the standard is inconsistent with the use and training of guide dogs.  Many Canadians get their guide dogs from the United States, and both American and Canadian schools find these standards at odds with standard training and use of guide dogs. American schools are concerned that, if these standards are accepted, they may stop accepting Canadian applicants.  This would force Canadians to apply to the very few extant Canadian schools which already have long waiting lists.  The increased demand would greatly lengthen wait times. For these reasons, it is of the utmost importance that these draft standards not be implemented as they now exist." – Hands Off Our Harnesses Movement

That we live in a visual world is a challenge that many people who are blind interact with every day, but for Brandon Schiafone that's just par for the course. Having gone blind when he was young, Brandon adapted, and adapted well. By putting systems in place to help him through our visual world, Brandon has created an environment where, as a blind man, he thrives. How? Well, it starts with asking the necessary questions, refusing to put yourself in a box, and being ready to have a real and open conversation about the challenges many of us face. Discussing Toronto's accessibility, the concept of 'ableism', and overcoming our obstacles.  

One of the biggest misconceptions about being an artist is the question of "Am I good enough?". As an artist in Toronto, Vanessa faces this question constantly - and like every other artist, she pushes back the self-consciousness to continue to pursue her art. In her case, this is live painting, creating her work in front of a live audience. Making it as an artist in the city can be tough, getting your work out there can be tough; but for Vanessa, her differentiating factor is that every piece carries a little bit of Toronto. Discussing making it as an artist, Toronto's art scene, and live painting. 

Then she said yeah, that's the guy I found on LinkedIn. Although young, Sammy's career has already had a few big leaps. From being a student at Ryerson, to starting an entertainment company, to leaving that company, to becoming a financial services professional, Sammy's success has been all about building lifestyle. The foundation of his success? An entrepreneurial spirit, the right people, and a city rich with opportunity. Discussing moving into the workforce, the truth behind Canadian fraternities, and making it in Toronto.

Once upon a time, Valkyrie Savage spent a semester in Germany where she was introduced to the game of Jugger - based off the 1989 movie "The Blood of Heroes". It was a good experience, but it was one she wouldn't repeat for half a decade after moving back to San Francisco. In a city without a dedicated community, Valkyrie and her husband Evan thought back to the sport they'd discovered in Germany and began to put in place the foundation of her first Jugger team. Now, living in Toronto, Valkyrie and Evan are building their team again one Jugger at a time. Discussing alternative sports, community, and Jugger.

Part 2 of the 4-part (Almost) Failure to Launch miniseries answers the question: Why would anyone want to be on your podcast? We discuss selling your podcast idea in order to attract professional level guests to your podcast.   

Miracle was someone who always dreamed of moving to the big city. The difference, that for her dreams were goals that could (and would) be achieved. Building her career in the entertainment sector, she quickly realized that although consumers were diverse, casting wasn't always. She realized that although many dream of breaking away from the 9-5, those same people are often stuck in a narrative of a limited list of ways to build their dream career. She realized that, even though society has moved forward, women still face constant challenges in the workplace. The difference, her drive towards changing that narrative. Discussing Toronto's entertainment sector, rethinking education, and feminism.   

Luke has traveled the world. From New Zealand, to Australia, and now to Toronto, everywhere along his journey Luke has taken media with him. From shooting the first piece of content with his brother to interviewing Olympians, media has been the bridge that connects all of Luke's travels. Yet in his pursuit of media in Toronto, Luke has identified a challenge in the city's entertainment sector; that is, that in its pursuit of absolute diversity the city may have lost its identity. Discussing travel, media, and Toronto's metropolitan identity.   

Part 1 of the 4-part (Almost) Failure to Launch miniseries answers the question: Why would anyone listen to my podcast? We discuss solidifying your podcast idea through researching and understanding your concept and target audience.

Welcome to (Almost) Failure to Launch, a 4-part miniseries describing some of the challenges I faced as a prospective podcast host with no time and very little money. 

Welcome to Loving Toronto Weekly, where each week we interrupt the lives of 7 random people to ask them the question: "What's one thing you love about Toronto?"

Jenan wanted to be a teacher. It was her target, her goal, her dream; that is, until the encouragement of one of her own teachers led her to apply to the Aerospace Engineering program at Ryerson University. As an engineer, Jenan noticed quickly the lack of female members in the engineering profession - a profession that continues on some level to be a "boy's club". In fact, it was the need to change this that pushed her now, as a full-fledged engineer, to join Women in Engineering, teach robotics to young girls, and become a key member in growing the Women in Engineering and Science Design Competition. Discussing engineering in Toronto, women in science, and changing gender norms.   

Welcome to Loving Toronto Weekly, where each week we interrupt the lives of 7 random people to ask them the question: "What's one thing you love about Toronto?"

One of Mikael's favourite parts of Toronto's entertainment industry is the diversity of people - both in front of and behind the camera. One of its greatest challenges, putting Toronto on the map as a city to not only be filmed in, but as the setting of new films. Now, moving through his university career and rising in the industry he's passionate about, Mikael has discovered a people who are warm and welcoming, lasting friendships, and a city with growing potential. Discussing Toronto's entertainment sector, cultural communities, and finding love. 

Welcome to Loving Toronto Weekly, where each week we interrupt the lives of 7 random people to ask them the question: "What's one thing you love about Toronto?"

Henry is a recent Torontonian. Growing up in Nigeria and only immigrating to Canada in 2010, Henry has a very different perspective on education. Where for some education is a chore, for Henry necessity forged education into a passion. It was through the pursuit of this passion that Henry transformed himself from a young boy from a West African village, to a speaker in Toronto who has taken the TEDx stage. Discussing education across the world, culture shock, and Toronto through foreign eyes.   

Welcome to Loving Toronto Weekly, where each week we interrupt the lives of 7 random people to ask them the question: What's one thing you love about Toronto?

When Justus was young, a family friend made him a bow. This was the beginning of a passion that would last throughout his life. Years later, Justus is a competitive archer and a member of Toronto's reigning Combat Archery (formerly Archer Tag) team. A key driver of his success in the sport of archery? One of Toronto's hidden gems, the E.T. Seton Range. Discussing the sport of archery, archery in mainstream media, and Toronto's archery community.   

In honour of Canada 150 we walk the streets of Ottawa and ask our fellow Canadians, what's one thing you love about Canada? 

Coffee is something many of us take for granted. From a quick double-double at McDonalds to a Unicorn Frap at Starbucks, coffee is our fuel, designed to help power us through the work day. Not so much for Jane Arnett. With no home, no bed, and only a job to her name Jane moved to Toronto. Why? To learn more about the coffee industry that is her passion. Discussing coffee culture, coffee in Toronto, and entrepreneurship in the coffee industry. 

Welcome to Loving Toronto Weekly, where we interrupt the lives of 7 random people to ask them the question: What's one thing you love about Toronto?

Jason discovered the concept, Jake saw the need, Jermal brought the experience. In late 2015 Next Gen Men began entering schools. This was the beginning of a journey that would see the three friends working with men of all ages, from youth to adult, raising conversations surrounding mental and emotional health, gender norms, rethinking masculinity, and the importance of empathy. Now, their program is growing and Next Gen Men is helping the next generation of men grow along with it. Discussing changing gender norms, education, and the pursuit of equality.

Each week I interrupt the lives of 7 random people to ask them the question, "What's one thing you love about Toronto?" Welcome to Series 01, covering June 12-18, 2017. 

At the age of 7, Ian moved to Woodbridge, Vaughan from Zimbabwe. Now, he is 24 and studying abroad as a law student in Stoke, England. In between Ian overcame many challenges, from never having a consistent home growing up, to facing racism and bullying in his younger years as a new immigrant. Yet, as he grew older his city grew with him, and he began to discover the true diversity of culture and music that Toronto has to offer. Discussing multiculturalism, bullying, and Brexit. 

A dangerous sport, Quidditch. Over the last few years the sport of Quidditch, based off its Harry Potter namesake, has grown significantly in Canada. Like any alternative sport, it's faced its challenges - both in adoption and credibility. This is where Yara comes in. As a leading member of Quidditch Canada, Yara affects change to the operations of Quidditch in Canada on a daily basis. But none of that would have happened had she not moved to Toronto and been tossed, quite literally, into the Toronto Quidditch scene. Discussing Quidditch in Toronto, alternative sports, and co-ed athletics. 

In many ways boxing is still considered to be an underground sport, but for Yvette boxing is a way of life. Entering the gym at a young age to test her limits, Yvette soon moved into the world of boxy building, fitness, and competitive boxing. It was in the pursuit of fitness that Yvette came to understand that boxing is as much in the mind as the body. In boxing, Yvette found a passion, and it was this passion that pushed her to continue to grow the boxing community in Toronto. Discussing Toronto's boxing scene, gentrification, and the world of body building. 

It's 2am, you're out in a new city, your phone is dead, you have no way to get home. What do you do? This was Jonathan one night not long after he had moved to Toronto. Trapped downtown, with no way to get home, it was only through the power of human connection that what could have been a disaster instead became one of his fondest adventures. Discussing Toronto's people, responsibility, and the value of human connection. 

Music is everywhere. At least, that's how it feels to Michel Neray. Moving to Toronto almost 30 years ago, music has become a big part of his connection to the city. In fact, it was this connection that moved him to not just enjoy the Toronto music scene - but to actively participate in growing it. Discussing house concerts, music, and Toronto music culture. 

Do it for the story. Bachelor parties come in many shapes and sizes; but for Michael Cicero, his best friend's bachelor party was all about having an eventful day. From his first baseball game to some of the best eats in the city, Michael Cicero's bachelor party experience became a tour of a city he's come to love. Discussing Toronto food culture, axe throwing, and the Blue Jays. 

It's not always love at first sight. When Natasha Nesrine first moved to Toronto she was excited to begin her undergrad - but not so excited to live in the city. Growing up, Natasha had always seen Toronto as cold, grey, concrete jungle. It was only when she became a tourist in her own city that she began to discover the Toronto within Toronto, and so fell in love with the city. Discussing Toronto culture, walking tours, and Toronto's hidden gems. 

Xandra's not from here. In her life, she's lived in a few of Canada's major cities, and from Vancouver to Montreal she's had the opportunity to discover many of the unique experiences those cities have to offer. Yet there are two things that all Canadian cities share: snow and cyclists. Discussing the life of a cyclist, snow across the provinces, and Toronto's many micro-cities. 

Edie Kaldis is retired now, but 5 years ago she was a Sergeant in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. As an RCMP officer, her true north was the preservation of life - and this was a value that became a part of who she was, guiding her decisions even beyond her position. It was this very dedication that led her to save Sammy. Discussing the RCMP, animal welfare, and Toronto sports culture. 

Networking; some hate it, some live for it, Jim Pagiamtizis has mastered it - and Toronto helped him get there. Throughout his life Jim was a man seeking opportunity, the chance to transform his life from ordinary to extraordinary. It was only when he began taking advantage of the many networking opportunities Toronto has to offer that he found the mentorship and began to see the growth he was looking for. Discussing Toronto events, networking, and personal development. 

Natasha Buckeridge had made it. Performing was a her passion, her purpose, and her primary source of income. That is, until she left the UK to move to Canada. In Toronto she had no one, no friends, no contacts, and no voice. That is, until she began taking herself out to open mics around the city. Discussing moving to Toronto, Toronto's people, and Toronto's music industry. 

Moving to Toronto, especially from a smaller town, city, or community, can be a culture shock - at least, it was for Armaan Verma. When Armaan moved to Church and Wellesley and was exposed, for the first time in his life, to the culture of the LGBTQ community, he found his new and positive experiences at odds with intolerant perspectives and preconceptions bred into him from a young age. Discussing intolerance, social bias, and the beauty of Toronto's people. 

Toronto is so full of people that sometimes we miss a few. From riding the TTC to walking down Yonge Street, we are constantly inundated with people. For many of us, that means headphones in and head down. For Rina Rovinelli, that means working to bring a little more joy into the lives of the disadvantaged. Discussing homelessness, stigma, and the connectedness of Toronto. 

After living, visiting, and working in over 20 different countries, D'Tanga Small returned to Toronto restless, frustrated, and eager to depart on his next adventure. It was only when he met a girl on a Toronto walking tour that, through her excitement, he rediscovered his love for the city. Discussing Toronto, Toronto culture, and Toronto's evolution.