Podcasts about Downtown Eastside

n this episode of Psychedelics Today, kicking of Psychedelic Science 2025 week in Denver, we sit down with Jonathan Dicksinson, Chief Executive Officer, and Trevor Millar, Chief Operations Officer of Ambio Life Sciences – one of the world's leading ibogaine clinics – to explore the potential of ibogaine for addiction, neuroregeneration, and how ethics, honoring experience, and sustainability will be key to delivering ibogaine at scale.  Trevor shares his early work supporting marginalized populations in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, which led to the founding of Liberty Root, one of Canada's first ibogaine clinics. Jonathan reflects on his apprenticeship in Mexican clinics, years of international advocacy with the Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance, and drafting the first set of clinical guidelines for ibogaine detoxification. Together with paramedic and ibogaine safety protocols expert Jose Inzunza, they co-founded Ambio in Tijuana in 2021. They discuss: The unique safety standards Ambio has pioneered – including industry-wide clinical protocols and magnesium therapy to mitigate cardiac risk. Their scale: over 3,000 patients treated, with 100+ clients per month across five dedicated houses in Baja California. Ambio's groundbreaking neuroregenerative program for Parkinson's, MS, and traumatic brain injury – which has already drawn patients like Brett Favre and Clay Walker. How ibogaine appears to drive profound physiological change – including evidence of TBI reversal as shown in Stanford's 2024 study on Special Forces veterans. Why ibogaine isn't just a molecule – it opens a long-lasting “critical period” of neuroplasticity that must be supported with preparation, integration, and holistic care. The deeper story of sourcing: through his company Terragnosis, Jonathan is the only person with a legal export license for Tabernanthe iboga from Gabon, and Ambio is setting a precedent for reciprocal and ethical global supply chains. Their cautionary perspective on Texas' $50M push toward ibogaine clinical trials – and why the traditional “one drug, one indication” model misses the complexity and promise of psychedelic healing. They also make a compelling case that Ambio is already modeling what the future of psychedelic care should look like – not a single drug in a sterile clinical setting, but a comprehensive, integrated protocol combining preparation, medical oversight, and deep integration. “Start with the end in mind,” Trevor urges – Ambio isn't just part of the movement; it's the blueprint for how ibogaine could be delivered worldwide. Links: Ambio Website: https://ambio.life/ Significant lesion reduction and neural structural changes following ibogaine treatments for multiple sclerosis (Frontiers in Immunology, Feb 2025) Magnesium–ibogaine therapy in veterans with traumatic brain injuries (Nature Medicine, Jan 2024) Ibogaine reduced severe neuropathic pain associated with a case of brachial plexus nerve root avulsion (Frontiers in Pain Research, Aug 2023) Novel treatment of opioid use disorder using ibogaine and iboga in two adults (Journal of Psychedelic Studies, Jan 2020) Clinical Guidelines for Ibogaine-Assisted Detoxification Ambio Life Sciences Launches World's First Clinical Ibogaine Program for Patients With Neurodegenerative Conditions Bios:  Jonathan Dickinson is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ambio Life Sciences. One of the world's leading experts on ibogaine, Jonathan brings over 15 years of experience in clinical care, traditional practice, and psychedelic research to his leadership at Ambio. A Mexico-licensed psychologist and former Executive Director of the Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance, he authored the field's foundational safety guidelines and has published widely on ibogaine's therapeutic, cultural, and ecological significance. He holds the only active export license for Tabernanthe iboga root, led the first Nagoya-compliant export from Gabon, and was initiated into the Dissoumba/Fang tradition of Bwiti in 2014 and the Missoko tradition in 2022. He has co-authored peer-reviewed research on ibogaine's potential for trauma, TBI, pain, MS, and Parkinson's. At Ambio, he leads strategy, research, and innovation – advancing a globally scalable model of care that bridges tradition, science, and integrity. Trevor Millar is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Ambio Life Sciences. A social entrepreneur and pioneer in ibogaine advocacy and treatment, Trevor brings over a decade of experience supporting individuals through addiction recovery, trauma healing, and post-treatment integration. His background includes co-founding the Canadian Psychedelic Association and serving as Chair of the Board for MAPS Canada. He has co-authored peer-reviewed research on ibogaine's applications for trauma, TBI, and opioid use disorder, and has been featured in award-winning documentaries including DOSED and In Waves and War. Grounded in personal experience and guided by a philosophical approach to healing, Trevor is helping shape a new model for ethical, integrative psychedelic care on a global scale. At Ambio, Trevor leads operations, strategic partnerships, and client experience – bridging clinical care with systems design, education, and public advocacy.

What does it take for a 140-year-old organization to stay relevant, radical, and rooted in justice?Today, we sit down with Amanda Burrows, Executive Director of First United, a cornerstone of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. From providing essential services like food, water, and shelter to driving real policy change through data-backed advocacy, Amanda shares how First United continues to evolve—without ever compromising its values.We explore the tension between frontline service and systemic reform, celebrate community resilience, and dig into how their legal advocacy led to groundbreaking housing legislation in BC. Plus, Amanda unpacks how deep-rooted integrity builds bridges with donors and fuels their powerful partnerships in the fight against poverty.Tune in to hear how one organization blends compassion, courage, and conviction to make meaningful impact—generation after generation.

B.C. government drops contract with special consultant on Downtown Eastside. Guest: Amanda Burrows - Executive Director, First United Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are food price-hikes inevitable? Flair Airlines is taking complaints from passengers seriously and running a sort of feedback campaign - featuring its interim CEO - on social media. How do we fix the Downtown Eastside? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why did BC hire a special advisor for the Downtown Eastside? Guest: Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Should space law protect historical sites on the Moon? Guest: Michelle Hanlon, Professor of Practice and the Executive Director of the Center for Air and Space Law at the University of Mississippi School of Law Can cybernetics rewire the way we understand the mind? Guest: Dr. Adam Mastroianni, Experimental Psychologist and Author of the “Experimental History” Newsletter How are stratas and strata fees affecting the real estate market? Guest: Paul Mendes, Partner and Strata lawyer, LM Law How will BC work with Ottawa to improve public safety? Guest: Niki Sharma, Attorney General of BC The power of listening to strangers Guest: Paul Jenkinson, Man Who Launched the “You Are Not Alone, I Will Listen” Cross-Country Tour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why did BC hire a special advisor for the Downtown Eastside? Guest: Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You go to school, complete your Masters degree, and juggle multiple jobs while starting your Canadian private practice. What happens now?  Suki, my guest in today's podcast episode, carried her childhood curiosity with her through her academic and professional journey, and it has served her well. Working in alignment with her inner values and principles has helped her stay true to the course.  Now, Suki's practice is full, and she's looking to hire an associate. In today's episode, we discuss her journey and tips for having your own unique, great private practice experience. Listen in!  MEET SUKI Suki O'Huallachain (o-who-la-hon) is a CCC therapist located in Port Coquitlam, BC. She has been a therapist since 2018 and has recently transitioned to private practice after working for almost 6 years in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Suki is currently navigating hiring an associate and focusing on the “business” side of therapy as her practice is now full after 1 year. Learn more about Suki on her practice website, Psychology Today, and LinkedIn profiles.  In this episode:  Suki's therapist origin story  Going through university  Transitioning out of a government job Becoming full in private practice  Suki's advice to listeners  Suki's therapist origin story  Suki had always been interested in people, how and why they act the way that they do, and this powerful curiosity came with her from childhood into her Canadian private practice.  When Suki went to university, she started with science. However, she soon discovered that it was not for her! So, she pivoted direction and completed her degree in health science and biology.  Going through university Once Suki got into her Master's program, she started having to balance her work life with her school responsibilities.  She worked in a recreational mental health program while studying different modalities and spent this time figuring out what she wanted her niche to be.  Suki thoroughly enjoyed her Masters because it allowed her the chance to try out different modalities until she found the one that she felt the most comfortable and best-fit with. It also taught her that she is allowed to change, both in specialty and modality, while still being experienced.  Transitioning out of a government job  Suki worked at a government job for a while when she was in the process of building up her private practice, and it was tough with 10-hour shifts! But now, she has fully transitioned into her private practice.  It was tough for Suki to leave her government job. Some of her clients had been clients of hers for five years, so leaving her position was difficult. Suki wanted to make sure that they got the care and attention they needed and wanted, especially those who have trauma with saying goodbye and changing therapists.  Becoming full in private practice Initially, Suki was subletting an office space in a different community, but she knew that she wanted to be closer to home, and luckily, her clients decided to move with her! Now, in her new location, she's full!  Currently, Suki is working five days a week and trying to find a balance. She wants to navigate the business part of it while still meeting her own needs and being her own boss.  To manage her schedule to her needs, Suki's been using Jane App, and it has made managing her professional and personal life so much easier.  Now, Suki's goals have turned toward hiring a great associate for her private practice. She wants to figure out what success means to her in private practice and then hire a Canadian therapist based on that conclusion. These principles keep her guided and grounded and help her to build a practice that she feels aligned with and proud of.  Suki's advice to listeners  No fixed roadmap or plan will give you all the answers, but if you are eager and curious, you can create a practice that fits you like a glove and serves your clients the best. Remember, if it doesn't work, you are allowed to change!  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 160: Lyba Sultan: From Idea to Private Practice in Canada | EP 160  Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress!  Learn more about Suki on her practice website, Psychology Today, and LinkedIn profiles Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

Canada's new Housing Minister is former Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson! Vancouver's condo market is in DIRE shape. What can be done to improve the situation. A $150k consultant was hired to look into the Downtown Eastside. Was this really necessary?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PACE Society is a peer-driven organization located in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver that provides support, advocacy, and education for current and former sex workers. In late February, they announced they were temporarily suspending services and programming and laying off most staff. PACE's announcement followed a string of closures and service reductions at other organizations serving sex workers and other marginalized women. Jennie Pearson joins us to talk about why these closures happened and what's needed to support women in the Downtown Eastside. She is a PhD Candidate in the Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program at UBC. She is also a volunteer with PACE Society.

Welcome to UnSpun - your weekly dive into current events! In this episode, Jody Vance and George Affleck discuss a myriad of pressing topics. This week:

A Vancouver police officer was seriously injured in a random attack on the Downtown Eastside on Tuesday night. Could BC singlehandedly ditch daylight saving time? Premier Eby says he's considering it! Everything you need to know ahead of your shopping trip to the US! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a busy week in Vancouver civic politics. Lots of people spoke at City Hall as Ken Sim's motion to ban on supportive housing came before council, plus the candidates for the April 5 by-election became clear, the design of the rebuild of the Aquatic centre was up for discussion, and lots more. Lorraine Chisholm speaks with Ian Mass in this week's City Beat report.

What‘s your response to the term “harm reduction”? Do you realize that you participate in harm reduction daily? Things like, strapping on a seatbelt, using railings on staircases, or scrubbing your hands with hot, soapy water all attempt to minimize risk in some way. Yet, perhaps your reaction to harm reduction feels a little different when it comes to drugs. So, why?Dr. Meera Grover challenges us to take a deep look at our beliefs surrounding substance use and harm reduction. Are they rooted in a stigma or in cultural views of those who struggle with substance use and misuse? Are they rooted in a love for God's people that reflects His heart? Dr. Grover is a physician and a Christian with a background in theology. She began her career in international development and later transitioned to working on the front lines of the opioid crisis in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and Calgary. With the highest level of addiction medicine training in Canada, Dr. Grover has grappled with the complex ethical questions surrounding substance use, harm reduction, and the true meaning of hope.Tune in for part 2 of this important conversation as we talk about addiction, faith, and the power of being present.

Today, Vancouver city council will debate a controversial motion centred on the Downtown Eastside neighbourhood that could have far-reaching effects on the Metro Vancouver region. Mayor Ken Sim wants to pause new supporting housing in the community because, he says, other cities are not doing their share. CBC reporter Chad Pawson joins us from Vancouver City Hall. Lavern Kelly is the case manager for the YEAH Parenting Programming for Watari Counselling and Support Services. Premier David Eby spoke to reporters following a call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

A doctor shortage is once again forcing the closure of a Delta Hospital emergency room. How did it come to this?! Learning more about Mayor Ken Sim's plan to revitalize the Downtown Eastside. North Van is hiring more school crossing guards after some appalling parent driver behaviour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Police Department have launched a new initiative aimed at dismantling organized crime networks and addressing public safety concerns in the Downtown Eastside and other areas. Article Read: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/mayor-vancouver-police-announce-task-force-targeting-organized-crime   PODCAST INFO:

Description: Welcome to UnSpun - your go-to podcast and YouTube show for current events. In this episode, Jody Vance and George Affleck delve into an array of headline-making topics:

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and Police Chief Adam Palmer announced Task Force Barrage, a long-term initiative to combat organized crime and violence, particularly in the Downtown Eastside. The plan includes increased police presence, crackdowns on chronic offenders, gang activity, and drug traffickers, following the recent reversal of decriminalization policies. Guest: Ken Sim - Mayor of Vancouver Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the opposite of addiction isn't freedom or sobriety, but connection?Drug addiction is devastating, affecting communities worldwide. But is addiction the problem to be solved, or is there something deeper at play?Dr. Meera Grover, is a Christian and a physician. She started her work in international development and has most recently spent years working on the front lines of the opioid crisis in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and Calgary. With the highest level of addiction medicine training in Canada—and a background in theology—she's wrestled with the complex ethical questions surrounding substance use, harm reduction, and what it means to offer true hope.In this episode, Dr. Grover shares how her beliefs have been shaped by working in supervised consumption sites and building relationships with those experiencing poverty and addiction. Through these experiences, she's come to see addiction not as the problem itself, but as a symptom of something deeper: poverty, disconnection, and a longing for belonging.Tune in for part 1 of this eye-opening conversation as we explore addiction, personal faith, and the sacredness found in unexpected places.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim chose a day-long summit last month organized by the pro-business coalition Save Our Streets to make a major announcement about housing. He said that he intends to reject any new supportive housing projects proposed in the city of Vancouver and pledged to address what he called the hyper concentration of services in the Downtown Eastside. Peter Waldkirch is with the organization Abundant Housing Vancouver. He joins me today to talk about Ken Sim's recent pronouncements and what they mean for the housing crisis in Vancouver.

In this episode of Crime at Bedtime, we uncover the terrifying story of Robert Pickton—a pig farmer turned serial killer responsible for one of Canada's darkest chapters. For years, women disappeared from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside without a trace. What police eventually discovered on Pickton's farm would shock the nation and haunt investigators forever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next week Vancouver City Council will get updates on childcare, seniors' services and a healthy water plan as well as some interesting potential new developments. But the big story is Mayor Ken Sim's stunning announcements about the Downtown Eastside and they don't appear on any agenda. Redeye collective member Ian Mass joins us with his City Beat report for February 1.

In this SAND Community Gathering (January 2025), journalist Naomi Klein and trauma expert Dr. Gabor Maté explored the complex intersection of collective trauma, political power, and memory in a discussion moderated by Cecilie Surasky. Drawing from Naomi's recent analysis of how trauma has been weaponized in current conflicts, and Gabor's deep understanding of trauma's psychological impacts, their conversation examined how media narratives and political rhetoric weaponize fear and trauma to gain public support for military and political crimes. The discussion addressed the troubling speed at which the Oct 7 Jewish trauma is now converted into a spectacle through virtual reality experiences, museum exhibitions, and immersive memorials, while questioning who gets to control these narratives and to what end. Together, they explored alternatives for remembering that might lead toward healing rather than perpetuating cycles of violence. We hear from several Community Gathering audience members with their questions in the second half of the episode. Gabor Maté, M.D. is a specialist on trauma, addiction, stress and childhood development. After 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, Dr. Maté worked for over a decade in Vancouver's Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. For his groundbreaking medical work and writing he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country's highest civilian distinction, and the Civic Merit Award from his hometown, Vancouver. Gabor is also the creator of a psychotherapeutic approach, Compassionate Inquiry, now studied by thousands of therapists, physicians, counselors, and others in over 80 countries. Naomi Klein is an award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author. She is a columnist with The Guardian. In 2018 she was named the inaugural Gloria Steinem Endowed Chair at Rutgers University and is now Honorary Professor of Media and Climate at Rutgers. In September 2021 she joined the University of British Columbia as UBC Professor of Climate Justice (tenured) and co-director of the Centre for Climate Justice. Cecilie Surasky is the Director of Communications and Narrative at the Othering & Belonging Institute (OBI), where she leads an incredible team focused on integrating strategic communications and narrative strategies. With a background in Religious Studies and Semiotics, Cecilie views all narratives as sacred, and believes that leaders, for better or worse, often serve as modern-day high priests. As former deputy director of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) she led impactful campaigns aimed at building a co-liberation movement and garnering support for Palestinian human rights. Topics 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:45 Panel Introduction and Moderator 01:31 Exploring Trauma and Its Impact 02:44 Weaponizing Trauma in Conflict 06:14 Historical Context and Jewish Identity 10:54 Challenging Narratives and Identities 15:09 The Role of Trauma in Shaping Perspectives 30:35 The Impact of Trauma on Palestinians 32:17 Structures of Deliberate Traumatization 37:48 Healing and Moving Forward 41:50 Debunking Historical Myths 42:12 Instrumentalization of Trauma 43:24 Hollywood's Role in Shaping Trauma Narratives 46:30 Economic and Political Motives Behind the Holocaust 48:27 Comparing Historical and Modern Genocides 49:59 Imagining a State Focused on Healing Trauma 51:00 Reclaiming and Reinterpreting History 58:29 The Role of Compassion in Addressing Trauma 01:05:44 Palestinian Perspectives on Healing and Storytelling 01:13:21 Concluding Thoughts and Future Conversations Resources Naomi Klein's Website Gabor Maté's Website Other and Belonging Institute Jewish Voices for Peace Naomi Klein's Article on Israel Weaponizing Trauma: “How Israel has made trauma a weapon of war” (The Guardian) Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture by Gabor Maté Watch SAND's Where Olive Trees Weep Purchase SAND's full 23-video series Conversations on Palestine Watch SAND's The Wisdom of Trauma Learn more about the SAND Community Gatherings Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

Will stopping supportive housing plans solve the Downtown Eastside's biggest problems? GUEST: Pete Fry, Green Party Vancouver City Councillor B.C government remains silent on proposed IVF funding GUEST: Penny Blesch, founder and director of the Fertility Coalition of British Columbia  The Week That Was in Politics GUEST: Keith Baldrey, Global BC Legislative Bureau Chief  ABC Vancouver councilor speaks out on Ken Sim's DTES plans GUEST: Rebecca Bligh, ABC Vancouver City Councillor Does Trump really have the facts on Canada's border security? GUEST: Kelly Sundberg, former CBSA officer and Professor at Mount Royal University's Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies The Wrap - Would you cancel any trips to the U.S or buy Canadian & Oscar nominees: which of these movies have you actually watched? GUEST: Sarah Daniels, real estate agent in South Surrey; author and broadcaster GUEST: Leah Holiove, TV Reporter and Radio Host Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GUEST: Pete Fry, Green Party Vancouver City Councillor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More Canadians are finding they've been overcharged for meat weighed at the grocery stores. And some are saying – the enforcement isn't strong enough. Most of the time, there are no penalties, although the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has the power to impose them.Also: Corporations are getting into the veterinary business. A joint investigation between The Fifth Estate, Marketplace – and Radio-Canada's Enquete and La Facture looks at the changing pet care industry. And how it might affect prices when you take your pet in for health care.And: The immigration crackdown begins in the U.S. Already hundreds of people have been deported to Guatemala via military plane. Critics are questioning the tactics and the use of the military in the new president's plan.Plus: Vancouver's plan to deal with the Downtown East Side, sedentary kids, returning home in Gaza, and more.

Hastings Crossing BIA executive director Landon Hoyt joins the show to provide a local-business perspective on Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim's plan to suspend new supportive housing projects in the Downtown Eastside. Sim said the plan, part of his vision to revitalize the neighbourhood, would "encourage a mix of housing, businesses and services." Is making friends really that hard in Vancouver and other parts of B.C.? We Should Be Friends founder Katrina Martin joins the show to discuss how to build long-lasting friendships in the city.

Chapter 1 What's In The Realm Of Hungry Ghosts by M.D. Mate, Gabor"In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction" by Dr. Gabor Maté is a profound exploration of addiction, examining the complex interplay between psychological, social, and biological factors that contribute to this condition. Dr. Maté draws from his experiences working with drug addicts in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, as well as his background in psychology and neuroscience. The book introduces the concept of 'hungry ghosts' as a metaphor for individuals struggling with addiction—living in a state of craving for something they can never satisfy. Dr. Maté emphasizes that addiction is not just a personal failing but a response to trauma, environmental influences, and an unmet desire for connection. Through personal stories and scientific insights, he advocates for a compassionate, understanding approach to treatment that addresses the root causes of addiction rather than merely focusing on abstinence. The book serves as both a poignant commentary on the failures of traditional treatment methods and a call to adopt more humane, integrative strategies in addressing addiction.Chapter 2 In The Realm Of Hungry Ghosts by M.D. Mate, Gabor SummarySummary of "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" by Dr. Gabor MatéIn "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction," Dr. Gabor Maté, a physician specializing in addiction, mental health, and trauma, explores the complex realities of addiction through a compassionate lens. Drawing from both his clinical experience in treating drug addicts in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and personal anecdotes, Maté delves into the psychological, social, and neurological underpinnings of addiction. Key Themes:Addiction as a Response to Pain: Maté argues that addiction is not merely a biological or moral failing but a response to deep emotional pain and trauma. He emphasizes that understanding the context of an individual's life is essential to comprehend their addiction.The Role of Childhood Trauma: The author highlights how early life experiences, particularly adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), significantly shape an individual's susceptibility to addiction. He illustrates how trauma can lead to patterns of behavior aimed at self-soothing or escape.The Neuroscience of Addiction: Maté explains the brain's role in addiction, discussing how substances modify brain functioning and the reward system. He stresses that addiction is a disease of the brain that can also be understood through a biopsychosocial perspective.Compassionate Approach: The book advocates for a compassionate approach to treatment, emphasizing empathy and understanding over criminalization and stigma. Maté calls for a shift in public policy regarding addiction, favoring treatment and social support over punishment.Connection and Belonging: Central to recovery from addiction, according to Maté, is the need for authentic connection and a sense of belonging. He argues that supportive relationships can be crucial for healing from trauma and addiction. Conclusion:Dr. Gabor Maté's "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" is not only a profound exploration of addiction but also a call for empathy and understanding towards those who suffer from it. By sharing stories of individuals entrenched in addiction, the book humanizes these experiences and urges readers to reconsider societal views on addiction, focusing on the underlying causes rather than the symptoms alone.Chapter 3 In The Realm Of Hungry Ghosts AuthorGabor Maté is a Canadian physician, author, and speaker known for his work on addiction, stress, and child development. He was born on March 6, 1944, in Budapest, Hungary, and is widely recognized for his compassionate approach to understanding mental health and addiction. In The Realm of Hungry GhostsRelease Date: "In The Realm

Today we are joined by Mark Henriksen, the founder of Risen Fallen, a movement born from the struggles of depression, anxiety, and the search for belonging. Opening up about his journey growing up in Vancouver, facing mental health challenges, and feeling like a square peg in a round hole. Sharing how his darkest moments became the foundation for a community-driven mission to make a difference. Discover how the Risen Fallen movement started with simple acts of service in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and grew into a platform of support, love, and connection.

Chapter 1:Summary of In The Realm Of Hungry Ghosts"In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction" by Gabor Maté explores the complex nature of addiction and its roots in trauma, emotional pain, and societal factors. Maté, a physician with a focus on addiction and mental health, draws on his experiences working with marginalized populations, particularly in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.The book intertwines personal stories of individuals struggling with addiction, particularly opioids, with insights from neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy. Maté introduces the concept of "hungry ghosts," which symbolizes the insatiable cravings of those dealing with addiction, reflecting deeper unmet needs and unresolved issues from their past.Key themes include:1. Understanding Addiction: Maté emphasizes that addiction is not a moral failing but a complex response to personal and social trauma. He argues that understanding the underlying causes is crucial for effective treatment.2. The Role of Childhood Experiences: The book explores how adverse childhood experiences, such as neglect or abuse, can predispose individuals to addiction later in life. Maté highlights the significance of emotional attachment and bonding.3. Compassionate Approach to Treatment: Maté advocates for a compassionate, holistic approach to treating addiction, focusing on empathy and understanding rather than judgment.4. Impact of Society: The author examines the broader societal issues that contribute to addiction, such as poverty, stigma, and lack of access to healthcare.5. Healing and Recovery: Maté discusses the potential for healing through connection, community support, and addressing the root causes of addiction rather than just the symptoms.Overall, "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" provides a profound analysis of addiction, challenging prevailing views and advocating for a more compassionate understanding of those who suffer from it.Chapter 2:The Theme of In The Realm Of Hungry Ghosts"In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction" by Dr. Gabor Maté is a profound exploration of the nature of addiction, its psychological and social underpinnings, and the human experience that encompasses it. Here are some key plot points, character development insights, and thematic ideas presented in the book: Key Plot Points1. Introduction to Addiction: Dr. Maté introduces readers to the complexities of addiction, reframing it as a response to trauma rather than solely a habit or disease. The book is structured around his experiences working with drug addicts in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.2. The Concept of the Hungry Ghost: The title refers to the Buddhist idea of "hungry ghosts," beings perpetually craving, symbolizing the insatiable need that characterizes addiction. This metaphor becomes a central theme throughout the book.3. Personal Stories: Throughout the book, Maté shares intimate stories of his patients, illustrating their struggles with addiction and the underlying traumas often linked to their behavior. These narratives humanize the issue and highlight the complexities of addiction.4. Neuroscience of Addiction: Maté explains the neurological changes that occur in the brains of those who struggle with addiction, emphasizing how environmental and relational factors influence these changes.5. Societal Reflection: The book critiques societal attitudes towards addiction, advocating for a compassionate, harm-reduction approach rather than punitive measures. Maté emphasizes that addiction is often exacerbated by societal neglect and discrimination. Character Development- Dr. Gabor Maté: As the narrator and central figure, Maté's perspective evolves throughout the book. He moves from a clinical viewpoint towards a deeper emotional understanding of his

Harbinger Showcase is a weekly podcast featuring highlights from Canada's #1 coast-to-coast community of politically and socially progressive podcasts.On this week's episode we investigate how Canadian news media has distorted coverage of Israel's crimes in Gaza on THE NORTH STATE, discuss climate change as class war on GREEN MAJORITY, look at two major upcoming non-market housing developments in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside on REDEYE and examine the role of corporate agribusiness in rural Alberta and the labour struggles that have shaped the industry on ALBERTA ADVANTAGE.The Harbinger Media Network includes 77 podcasts focusing on social, economic and environmental justice and featuring journalists, academics and activists on shows like The Breach Show, Tech Won't Save Us, Press Progress Sources & more.Harbinger Showcase is syndicated for community and campus radio and heard every week on CKUT 90.3FM in Montreal, at CFUV 101.9FM in Victoria, on CJUM 101.5FM and CKUW 95.9FM in Winnipeg, and at CiTR 101.9FM and CFRO 100.5FM in Vancouver at CJTM in Toronto and at CJBU 107.3FM in Sydney, Cape Breton.Financial support on this episode is courtesy of THE ALBERTA ADVANTAGE. Find out more about Calgary's #1 podcast albertaadvantagepod.com.Find out more about the network, subscribe to the weekly newsletter and support our work at harbingermedianetwork.com.

Today, Ian Mass tells us about a 10-year retrospective on reconciliation work at the municipal level in Vancouver. Plus two major non-market housing developments in the Downtown Eastside. All this and more on City Beat.

Once an avalanche starts, there's nothing that can be done to stop it. You can prevent them, you can prepare for them, but by the time you start to hear the ice cracking, it's almost always too late. The case of Willie Pickton feels a little bit like an avalanche. For the past two episodes, the people in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside have been hearing ominous creaks, trying hard to determine what the cause is. Unfortunately for dozens of women, help wouldn't come in time. Part 3 of this chilling true story.Free shipping and 365-day returns from Quince: https://quince.com/happycamperTry Magic Mind: You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code TCC20 at checkout! Claim it at: https://magicmind.com/tccpodSources:Cameron, Stevie. On the Farm: Robert William Pickton and the Tragic Story of Vancouver's Missing Women. Knopf Canada. Kindle Edition. https://www.nativehope.org/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-mmiw?utm_term=mmiw%20statistics&utm_campaign=MMIW+-+Search&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_tgt=kwd-1652454857508&hsa_grp=144380966783&hsa_src=g&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_mt=b&hsa_ver=3&hsa_ad=646853914079&hsa_acc=3651624507&hsa_kw=mmiw%20statistics&hsa_cam=19633980915&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwlbu2BhA3EiwA3yXyu8y0N86jvR6NFomqQUWY1AD3h0y48ITuUopInfNw6Tb_MBFkRKbaRhoC0ikQAvD_BwEThe Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/aug/05/features11.g2Follow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfirehttps://www.truecrimecampfirepod.com/Facebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://gramha.net/profile/truecrimecampfire/19093397079Twitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: truecrimecampfirepod@gmail.comMERCH! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.com

When we last left off, Willie Pickton was just starting his reign of terror over the women of the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Nancy Clark was missing, along with several other women, whose disappearances would never be solved. The Pickton farm was quickly becoming a criminal headquarters, thanks to Dave Pickton's infatuation with the Hell's Angels gang. The Vancouver Police didn't care. The missing women were sex workers and addicts, and therefore, less worthy of effort. The horror of this story is not only the monstrous actions of Willie Pickton, but also the apathy of the same people that were supposed to protect and serve. Join us for part 2 of this chilling story.Free shipping and 365-day returns from Quince: https://quince.com/happycamperTry Magic Mind: You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code TCC20 at checkout! Claim it at: https://magicmind.com/tccpodSources:Cameron, Stevie. On the Farm: Robert William Pickton and the Tragic Story of Vancouver's Missing Women. Knopf Canada. Kindle Edition. https://www.nativehope.org/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-mmiw?utm_term=mmiw%20statistics&utm_campaign=MMIW+-+Search&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_tgt=kwd-1652454857508&hsa_grp=144380966783&hsa_src=g&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_mt=b&hsa_ver=3&hsa_ad=646853914079&hsa_acc=3651624507&hsa_kw=mmiw%20statistics&hsa_cam=19633980915&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwlbu2BhA3EiwA3yXyu8y0N86jvR6NFomqQUWY1AD3h0y48ITuUopInfNw6Tb_MBFkRKbaRhoC0ikQAvD_BwEThe Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/aug/05/features11.g2Follow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfirehttps://www.truecrimecampfirepod.com/Facebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://gramha.net/profile/truecrimecampfire/19093397079Twitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: truecrimecampfirepod@gmail.comMERCH! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.com

How do you design adventure experiences for success? It is easy to plan big adventures but getting them to be epic for the right reasons isn't always as easy as it looks. This is especially true when we are building experiences to deliver to paying clients, our friends or family.Designing experiences that have the right pacing of adventure, and the right flow, can be the difference between epic disaster or exceptional experience.Joining us to explore what it takes to design the perfect adventure experience is Chris Winter. Chris is the owner or Big Mountain Adventures which offers mountain bike adventures in 14 countries around the world. Chris also teaches and guides steep skiing clinics for Extremely Canadian in Whistler, BC.Chris shares some of his experiences and insights into how we can structure amazing adventure experiences that we are delivering to others. He also shares some very funny stories along the way.Key InsightsDesigning amazing adventure experiences requires us to:Know our audience: Who are you actually building your experiences for? What are their needs, interests and capabilities?Align expectations early: This means ensuring everyone knows what they are getting themselves into. This includes aligning goals, identifying risk tolerance, addressing needs and so on.It has to be about them: There are experiences that guides, instructors and companies may want to deliver and there are experiences that people want to experience. These two things are not always the same thing. If you want to be successful, build experiences that people want to do.Get the Right Pacing and challenge: We want to ease into it, build in the challenge in the middle and finish with flow. This allows people to warm up and then consolidate their experience at the end.Remember the Purpose: The goal of adventure is to push ourselves outside our comfort zone. Adventure is important and sometimes we can forget why it is so valuable. Yes, adventure is often fun, but it serves a pretty important role in our lives. This makes the ability to deliver adventure a key life skill to have.Guest BioChris Winter is a former ski racer. Level IV CSIA ski instructor, level III high-performance ski coach, celebrated technical skier, sponsored big mountain skier featured in magazines and films. Currently teaching steep skiing clinics at Whistler Blackcomb for Extremely Canadian.Chris is the Owner and Founder of Big Mountain Adventures. Chris founded Big Mountain Adventures in 2002. During this time, he has built his tour company into the leader in guided mountain bike travel featuring award-winning adventures in 14 countries. Check out their new eMTB trips!Chris is also the owner of the Bralorne Adventure Lodge. Ready for a boutique mountain experience? Step out the door to spectacular wilderness & endless adventures…then recharge at our backyard spa.In addition to operating adventure-based businesses, Chris has also created and developed Zero Ceiling. This is an innovative and respected registered non-profit that hosts disadvantaged youth to the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb. From local First Nations to street youth to youth from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, participants benefit from a day of snowboard lessons, or if chosen to participate in a year-long program that teaches them to become employees at Whistler Blackcomb and give them life-long life skills.Guest LinksBig Mountain Adventures: https://www.ridebig.comBralorne Adventure Lodge: https://www.bralorneadventurelodge.comZero Ceiling:

Kevin Falcon was born and raised on the North Shore and he graduated from SFU and the Real Estate Program at UBC. Falcon was elected MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale in 2001, a position he held until 2013.   Elected to the Legislature once again, Falcon now serves as the MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena and as the Leader of the Official Opposition.   When he was first elected, Falcon was one of the youngest MLAs to serve in cabinet. In his twelve years at the cabinet table, Falcon held a number of senior Cabinet roles including Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, Minister of Transportation, Minister of Health and Minister of Deregulation.   After leaving politics, Falcon took on the role as Executive Vice President for Anthem Capital and served on the boards of several non-profits including Canuck Place, Lions Gate Hospital Foundation and the Street-to-home Foundation, an organization working to house the homeless on the Downtown Eastside.   He lives in North Vancouver with wife Jessica and two daughters, Josephine and Rose, and their cats Lucky and Feather.  

This episode of Below the Radar is a special live recording from SFU School for the Contemporary Arts' 2023 Re-Orientation Day, an all-day event designed to welcome SCA students, faculty, and staff back to campus for the fall semester. The 2023 theme was on “Place,” and the Vancity Office of Community Engagement convened a panel of speakers across the arts, academia, and community engagement to speak on community engaged practices in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Our host Am Johal is joined by Wendy Pedersen of the Downtown Eastside SRO Collaborative, SFU Professor of Geography Nick Blomley, musician and facilitator Khari Wendell McLelland, dancer, choreographer and now SCA faculty Justine Chambers, and Vancity Office of Community Engagement staff Julia Aoki, Kathy Feng and Samantha Walters. Enjoy the episode! Full episode details: https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/below-the-radar-podcast/episodes/247-re-orientations.html Read the transcript: https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/below-the-radar-podcast/transcripts/247-re-orientations.html Resources: DTES SRO Collaborative: https://srocollaborative.org/ Nick's work: https://www.sfu.ca/geography/about/our-people/profiles/Nicholas-Blomley.html Khari's website: https://khariwendellmcclelland.com/ Justine's website: https://justineachambers.com/ About Julia: https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/about/updates/all-updates/meet-julia-aoki.html Samantha's website: https://samanthawalters.com/ Kathy's website: https://kathyfeng.info/ Cite this episode: Chicago Style Johal, Am. “PLACE: SCA Re-Orientation Day 2023.” Below the Radar, SFU's Vancity Office of Community Engagement. Podcast audio, August 20, 2024. https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/below-the-radar-podcast/episodes/247-re-orientations.html.

The B.C. government has initiated a legal action through a civil forfeiture lawsuit aimed at seizing more than $150,000 from a group of individuals alleged to be drug traffickers operating in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Guest: Kim Bolan, Crime Reporter for the Vancouver Sun Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seg 1: Do dinosaurs still exist? Around 66 million years ago, a massive asteroid struck Earth, leading to one of the most devastating extinction events in the planet's history. Guest: Dr. Hans Sues, Senior Research Geologist and Curator of Fossil Vertebrates in the Department of Paleobiology at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Seg 2: View From Victoria: The Good News Bad News cycle The BC Conservatives are doing the back and forth between good news and bad news. We get a local look at the top political stories with the help of Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer. Seg 3: What can we expect from the 2024 Democratic Convention? Vice President Kamala Harris has gained significant voter enthusiasm as she heads into the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, which runs from Monday through Thursday. Guest: Reggie Cecchini, Washington Correspondent for Global News Seg 4: Can we save bananas from going extinct? Did you know the bananas we eat today aren't the same as the ones people enjoyed a few generations ago? These days, most of us eat Cavendish bananas, but up until the 1950s, the go-to banana was the Gros Michel. Guest: Dr. Li-Jun Ma, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UMass Amherst Seg 5: Is BC's transit system broken? The recent revelation that the cost of the Surrey-to-Langley SkyTrain extension has increased by 50% highlights a broader trend of cost overruns in large infrastructure projects across Canada. A new analysis warns that Canada's major cities are facing significant financial challenges in maintaining their public transit systems. Guest: David Cooper, Principal at Leading Mobility Seg 6: Monday Morning Quarterbacks for Aug 19, 2024 It was a 20-11 loss to Winnipeg that extended the Lions losing streak to four games. Nathan Rourke owned his mistakes in the loss and apologized to fans/teammates. Guest: Rick Campbell, Head Coach of the BC Lions Seg 7: Should BC be allowed to keep seized gang money? The B.C. government has initiated a legal action through a civil forfeiture lawsuit aimed at seizing more than $150,000 from a group of individuals alleged to be drug traffickers operating in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Guest: Kim Bolan, Crime Reporter for the Vancouver Sun Seg 8: How should you prepare your garden for fall? As the temperature starts to cool, what is the best way to keep your garden looking great and prepare it for the winter? Guest: Brian Minter, Minter Country Garden Store in Chilliwack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we present excerpts from the recent conversation (June 2024) as part of SAND's “Conversations on Palestine” around the premiere of the film Where Olive Trees Weep hosted by the directors of the film and co-founders of SAND, Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo. You can watch this full conversation and 22 others. SAND has created a program with leading historians, spiritual teachers, trauma therapists, poets and performers to complement the themes explored in the film and provide a larger historical, cultural and social context to the plight of the Palestinian people. In this conversation, legendary activist and scholar Angela Davis and Dr. Gabor Maté, physician and author, explore the intersections between the Palestinian struggle for freedom and broader global movements for justice, equity, and human liberation. Drawing parallels between the oppression faced by Palestinians and the systemic injustice confronting marginalized communities around the world, Angela and Gabor will shed light on the common roots of violence, occupation, and dehumanization. They will examine how trauma, both individual and collective, perpetuates cycles of conflict and how healing these wounds is integral to achieving genuine liberation. Bios Angela Y. Davis, Distinguished Professor Emerita in the History of Consciousness and Feminist Studies Departments at the University of California, Santa Cruz, is an internationally renowned activist, scholar, and writer who has dedicated her life to combating oppression in the U.S. and abroad. With a long-standing commitment to prisoners' rights and a powerful critique of racism in the criminal justice system, Davis is a founding member of Critical Resistance, a national organization working to dismantle the prison industrial complex. She is the author of nine books, including Are Prisons Obsolete? and Women, Race, and Class, and has lectured in all fifty states and across the globe. Despite facing persecution for her activism and membership in the Communist Party, USA, which led to her false imprisonment and a massive “Free Angela Davis” campaign, Davis remains a tireless advocate for social justice and prison abolition. Gabor Maté, M.D. is a specialist on trauma, addiction, stress and childhood development. After 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, Dr. Maté worked for over a decade in Vancouver's Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. For his groundbreaking medical work and writing he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country's highest civilian distinction, and the Civic Merit Award from his hometown, Vancouver. Gabor is also the creator of a psychotherapeutic approach, Compassionate Inquiry, now studied by thousands of therapists, physicians, counselors, and others in over 80 countries. Topics 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome 01:28 – Background on the Conversation 02:10 – Angela Davis and Gabor Mate: Biographies 03:01 – Current Situation in Gaza and the West Bank 04:04 – Global Resistance and Solidarity 04:37 – Personal Reflections and Historical Context 05:42 – The Moral Litmus Test of Palestine 22:09 – The Role of Violence in Liberation Struggles 27:36 – The Impact of Incarceration 31:35 – Unity and Emotional Connection 42:17 – Reflections on Activism and Change 48:55 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts Episode artwork: Wadsworth Jarrell, “Revolutionary” (1972) Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member.

Send Kris and Rob a Text Message.Between 1978 and 2001, the bustling streets of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside in British Columbia, Canada, masked a sinister secret. Over these years, at least 65 women vanished, seemingly swallowed by the night, leaving a trail of heartache and mystery. The authorities often turned a blind eye, attributing these disappearances to the women's involvement in drug addiction and the sex trade. But beneath the surface lurked a horror beyond imagination. This is the chilling story of Robert William Pickton, infamously known as the Pig Farmer Killer.sources used for this podcastWatch H2H on YouTubeSupport the Show.JOIN THE HITCHED 2 HOMICIDE IN-LAWS AND OUTLAWSSTART KRIS CALVERT'S BOOKS TODAY FOR FREEH2H WEBSITEH2H on TWITTERH2H on INSTA

In this episode we present excerpts from the recent conversation (June 2024) between Dr. Gabor Maté and Tara Brach as part of SAND's “Conversations on Palestine” around the premiere of the film Where Olive Trees Weep hosted by the directors of the film and co-founders of SAND, Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo. You can watch this full conversation and 22 others. SAND has created a program with leading historians, spiritual teachers, trauma therapists, poets and performers to complement the themes explored in the film and provide a larger historical, cultural and social context to the plight of the Palestinian people. Purchase Conversations on Palestine In this conversation, Gabor Maté and Buddhist teacher Tara Brach explored the harrowing situation in Gaza through the Bodhisattva path. They discussed the meaning of spirituality in the face of injustice and suffering, questioning the silence of many spiritual leaders regarding the Gaza crisis. Drawing from the Bodhisattva commitment to alleviate all beings' suffering, they emphasized the importance of compassion, solidarity, and engaged spirituality in addressing the oppression and trauma faced by the Palestinian people. Their conversation served as an invitation to reassess our spiritual practices and embody the Bodhisattva spirit today, encouraging active solidarity with the suffering. We appologize for any audio distortions from this conversation. This episode was recorded live on Zoom with some bad connection sounds throughout. Gabor Maté, M.D. is a specialist on trauma, addiction, stress and childhood development. After 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, Dr. Maté worked for over a decade in Vancouver's Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. For his groundbreaking medical work and writing he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country's highest civilian distinction, and the Civic Merit Award from his hometown, Vancouver. Gabor is also the creator of a psychotherapeutic approach, Compassionate Inquiry, now studied by thousands of therapists, physicians, counselors, and others in over 80 countries. Tara Brach is a meditation teacher, psychologist and author of several books including international bestselling Radical Acceptance, Radical Compassion and Trusting the Gold. Her teaching blends Western psychology and Eastern spiritual practices, mindful attention to our inner life, and a full, compassionate engagement with our world. Tara is the founder of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington and, together with Jack Kornfield, has co-founded Banyan and the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Program, which serves participants from 74 countries around the world. Resources from the Episode The Noble Eightfold Path: Way to the End of Suffering by Bhikkhu Bodhi “What is Love Asking from Us: Reflections on Gaza, the West Bank and Israel” (Dec, 2023) by Tara Brach Topics 00:00 - Introduction 02:50 - Tara's History with Israel 06:26 - The Jewish Buddhist Connection 07:10 - Silence on Palestine 15:42 - Truth and Boddhisvata Path 17:38 - History of Buddhism and Social Justice 25:10 - What Does Love Demand at this Time? 33:18 - Deepening Our History Understanding 40:59 - Noble Eight Fold Path 49:17 - Jewish Critique of Zionism 50:26 - Grief 52:38 - Closing Thoughts Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

 Welcome, my heathens welcome. Today, we're diving into the murky depths of one of Canada's most infamous cases. But before we unmask the monster, you know we need to set the scene. So, close your eyes, but not if you're driving, but picture it: Vancouver, British Columbia, late 1990s to early 2000s. A city renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Coast Mountains. It's a place where you can sip artisanal coffee while watching the rain drizzle softly on cobblestone streets; and the absolutely perfect backdrop for a tale as dark as this one. Now, let's zoom in a bit. Vancouver's Downtown Eastside – an area famous for its vibrant culture and infamous for its rampant poverty, addiction, and crime. Here, the streets are lined with a mix of historic buildings and the soul of those society often forgets. It's a place where hope and despair walk hand in hand. Our story, however, takes us just a bit further – to the rural suburb of Port Coquitlam. Ah, Port Coquitlam, where the air is thick with the smell of manure, and the local pig farmer, Robert Pickton, is more concerned with what's buried in his backyard than with hosting barn dances. Rolling green fields, quaint farmhouses, and a certain pig farm that, in hindsight, had more skeletons in its closet than an overworked Halloween store. But it wasn't just any pig farm. This was the infamous Pickton property, a sprawling 17-acre lot that seemed like any other – until you dug a little deeper. Literally.

What does it take to build and operate a successful adventure company? In this episode, Chris Winter joins Chris and Jordy to discuss how he has built Big Mountain Adventures, from the ground up. Chris shares some of his successes and challenges and the mindset that goes into running a successful adventure company.Chris Winter grew up bike touring in Europe with his parents, who ran a road cycling tour company. After a career as a professional skier competing and participating in ski films, Chris followed his parents' footsteps and founded Big Mountain Adventures. Launched in 2002, Whistler based Big Mountain Adventures has grown to employ 25 guides running mountain bike trips and courses in 14 countries.In addition to owning and operating Big Mountain Adventures, Chris Winter teaches steep skiing clinics for Extremely Canadian at Whistler Blackcomb. He has also founded the not for profit Zero Ceiling that hosts disadvantaged youth on the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb.Guest BioChris Winter is a former ski racer. Level IV CSIA ski instructor, level III high-performance ski coach, celebrated technical skier, sponsored big mountain skier featured in magazines and films. Currently teaching steep skiing clinics at Whistler Blackcomb for Extremely Canadian.Chris is the Owner and Founder of Big Mountain Adventures. Chris founded Big Mountain Adventures in 2002. During this time, he has built his tour company into the leader in guided mountain bike travel featuring award-winning adventures in 14 countries. Check out their new eMTB trips!Chris is also the owner of the Bralorne Adventure Lodge. Ready for a boutique mountain experience? Step out the door to spectacular wilderness & endless adventures…then recharge at our backyard spa.In addition to operating adventure-based businesses, Chris has also created and developed Zero Ceiling. This is an innovative and respected registered non-profit that hosts disadvantaged youth to the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb. From local First Nations to street youth to youth from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, participants benefit from a day of snowboard lessons, or if chosen participate in a year-long program that teaches them to become employees at Whistler Blackcomb and give them life-long life skills.Guest LinksBig Mountain Adventures: https://www.ridebig.comBralorne Adventure Lodge: https://www.bralorneadventurelodge.comZero Ceiling: https://zeroceiling.orgFollow or SubscribeDon't forget to follow the show!Share & Social Linkshttps://linktr.ee/deliveringadventure

A couple of weeks ago our regular host Bruce tried to seize the bull by the horns and broadcast an episode of our program from our home radio station, CFRO in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, mere blocks from his residence. He’s masterminded hundreds and hundreds of hours of broadcasts from the control board in its studios, […]

“The question is not why the addiction, but why the pain.” — Dr. Gabor Maté Dr. Gabor Maté is a physician, public speaker, and bestselling author whose work has been translated into 30+ languages. For 20 years, Dr. Maté worked as a family doctor and palliative care director. He then spent 12 years in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside with patients challenged by hardcore drug addiction, mental illness, and HIV, including in North America's first Supervised Injection Site. His award-winning book on addiction, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction, is used in universities globally. His most recent book, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture, is a New York Times bestseller and one of the best books I've ever read. In fact, if I could give one book to everyone on the planet to read, it would be this one. Dr. Maté is also an expert in childhood developmental issues, ADHD, mind/body health, trauma, and parenting — you're about to see why. In this episode: • Why the medical system is keeping us sick. • How schools are destroying our children's future – and what to do about it. • The role of trauma in bringing kindness and unity back to our society; and • How to prioritize healing and happiness in your daily routine. Let's WIN THE DAY with Dr. Gabor Maté! _

This week, we take a look back at a conversation that Raghu had with Gabor Maté about trauma, desire, addiction, and getting honest with ourselves.In this remastered episode, Gabor explores these struggles through the lens of the Hungry Ghost Realm of saṃsāra.To learn more about all six realms of saṃsāra and the Wheel of Life in Buddhist tradition, check out this episode of the Mindrolling Podcast with Buddhist teacher, David Nichtern: Ep. 168 Awakening from the DaydreamGabor Maté is a renowned speaker and bestselling author. After 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, Gabor worked for over a decade in Vancouver's Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. The bestselling author of four books published in over thirty languages, Gabor is sought after for his expertise on addiction, trauma, childhood development, and the relationship between stress and illness. His latest book, released in 2022, is titled the Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture. In the Realm of Hungry GhostsGabor Maté has been exposed to so many patients suffering from addiction through his work as a doctor in Vancouver, BC, which has one of North America's worst drug abuse problems. He and Raghu discuss the connection between addiction, in its many forms, and what Buddhist philosophy refers to as the Hungry Ghost Realm.Healing Trauma, Breaking Addiction Gabor talks about the role of trauma in addiction. He shares his own traumatic experiences being a Jew born in Nazi-occupied Hungary. Raghu and Gabor also discuss the ways that trauma and suffering are handed down from parent to child.The Pursuit of Desire In his book In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction, Gabor writes about the drive behind addictions. He and Raghu discuss how the energetic charge behind addiction is more about desire than attainment.Equal Parts Honest and CompassionGabor examines how we can look at ourselves honestly and constructively by practicing compassionate inquiry.Psychology of Spiritual SeekingThe spiritual path is a way to transform some of the wounded natures that we all grow up with. Gabor speaks about this and the risks of spiritual materialism that come along with it.“The hungry ghosts are depicted as these creatures with large empty bellies and small scrawny necks with narrow gullets and small mouths. No matter what they do, they cannot ever fill that emptiness inside, and that relates to me as the realm of addiction.” – Dr. Gabor MatéSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode we bring you excerpts from an online SAND Community Gathering with Gabor and Daniel Maté hosted by Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo from February 2024. Also present in this episode is Betsy Polatin offering guided meditation and grounding exercises as everyone navigates these difficult conversations. Lastly SAND presenter Deran Young ends the episode with a question on Racialized Trauma. You can watch the full video conversation here No statement, no words can speak to the immense suffering, devastation and horrendous humanitarian crisis intensifying in the Middle East. The current tragedy awakens existential fear, acute grief and deep despair. It also creates a rift among friends and families. Many are in a state of deep shock and in need of support, and the obstacles to communicating with loved ones only intensify the anguish. In this Q&A session, Dr. Gabor Maté and his son Daniel discussed ways to listen and communicate across different perspectives and narratives. Gabor Maté, M.D. is a specialist on trauma, addiction, stress and childhood development. After 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, Dr. Maté worked for over a decade in Vancouver's Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. For his groundbreaking medical work and writing he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country's highest civilian distinction, and the Civic Merit Award from his hometown, Vancouver. Gabor is also the creator of a psychotherapeutic approach, Compassionate Inquiry, now studied by thousands of therapists, physicians, counselors, and others in over 80 countries. Daniel Maté is a composer, lyricist, and playwright for musical theatre based in BC and New York. He has been active since 2007, when he graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts with an M.F.A. in Musical Theatre Writing. He also holds a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy from McGill. Daniel received the prestigious Edward Kleban Prize for Most Promising Lyricist in American Musical Theatre, a Jonathan Larson Foundation Grant, and the ASCAP Foundation's Cole Porter Award for Excellence in Music and Lyrics (for his song cycle The Longing and the Short of It.) He has presented his work at the historic Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and New York's Lincoln Center, and was an invited participant in the inaugural Johnny Mercer Writers Colony. Betsy Polatin, MFA, SEP, an internationally recognized breathing/movement specialist and best- selling author, has been teaching for 45 years. Her unique and intuitive perspectives are greatly influenced by the study of movement, breath, and trauma, as well as the teachings of spiritual and meditation masters. She speaks at conferences around the world. As a well-known educator, she's had numerous articles published in the Huffington Post, and is the author of The Actor's Secret and Humanual. Deran Young is a licensed therapist specializing in racial trauma and legacy burdens. She is also a Co-Author of the New York Times Best Seller, You Are Your Best Thing, a retired military officer, & founder of Black Therapists Rock. Black Therapists Rock is a non profit organization with a network of over 30,000 mental health professionals committed to reducing the psychological impact of systemic oppression and intergenerational trauma. She obtained her social work degree from University of Texas, where she studied abroad in Ghana, West Africa for two semesters creating a high school counseling center for under-resourced students. Deran has visited over 37 different countries and her clinical experience spans across four different continents. Her passion for culture and people has led her to become a highly sought after diversity and inclusion consultant working with companies like BBERG, Facebook, Linked In, and YWCA. She resides in the Washington DC area with her 10 year old son. Topics: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:04:10 – Gabor Maté Introduction 00:09:56 – Daniel Maté Introduction 00:18:48 – Gabor's Learning During this Violence since October 7 00:21:23 – Betsy Polatin Grounding Practice 00:24:31 – Gabor Responds to Comments in the Chat, speaking to ALL suffering 00:26:47 – Question: "What is the most effective way to break through Zionists Friends" 00:35:58 – Question: “How to Respond to Friends and Circles on Social Media” 00:38:34 – Question: “Responding to Israeli Sufferings from October 7” 00:51:12 – Betsy Calming Exercise 00:54:33 – Question: “Legacy of Dehumanization in this Conflict” 00:59:43 – Question: “Speaking Out in Jewish Communities” 01:04:52 – Question: “Addressing the War Machine(s)” 01:10:27 – The Misconceptions About Safety and Comfort in these Discussions 01:14:48 – Deran Young on Racialized Trauma 01:19:56 – Betsy Closing Meditation Support the mission of SAND the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

In this episode, our host, Susan Smetzer-Anderson, speaks with Aaron White, a pastor from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, about the transformative potential of true kinship and the profound possibilities of living out the Beatitudes and connecting with the marginalized. Aaron relentlessly advocates for building relationships across boundaries (such as economics) that often keep people in silos—dislocated and disconnected. But building genuine relationships can be a game-changer in the lives of individuals and communities. Please tune in to this vital conversation and join us in relearning the power of genuine connection and honest hospitality. You can also glean more of Aaron's insights through tuning into his tcaptalk at the 2024 Kingdom Justice Summit.=======Links:=======⛪️ Aaron's work = https://www.missioncentral.ca/profile/aaron-white

December 31, 2002. Vancouver, British Columbia. The Vancouver Police Department receive an anonymous letter containing a remorseful confession from someone who claims to have been responsible for the death of a sex worker. While the victim's name is not mentioned, investigators eventually suspect that she might be 24-year old Danielle LaRue, a sex worker from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside neighbourhood who seemed to vanish without explanation one month before the letter arrived. Even though the police ask the letter writer to come forward, this individual is not heard from again and no trace of Danielle is ever found. On this week's episode of “The Trail Went Cold”, we share the story of Danielle LaRue, an Indigenous woman who lived an incredibly tragic life before she went missing. We will also explore the stories of Ashley Machiskinic and Verna Simard, two other Indigenous women from the Downtown Eastside, who both died suspicious deaths after falling from a window at the Regent Hotel. If you have information about any of the featured cases, please contact the Vancouver Police Department's Cold Case Unit at (604) 717-2500. Additional Reading: https://www.cbc.ca/missingandmurdered/mmiw/profiles/danielle-larue https://www.vpdcoldcases.ca/danielle-larue/ https://www.newspapers.com/image/496693347/ https://www.newspapers.com/image/497036908/ https://www.newspapers.com/image/497458017/ https://www.newspapers.com/image/497458058/ https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2018/12/09/danielle-larue-vancouver-police-appeal-killer-16-year-old-cold-case/ https://globalnews.ca/news/1535797/bc-crimestoppers-the-case-of-murder-victim-danielle-larue/ https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/ashley-machiskinic-vancouver-death-1.3653676 https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/angela-sterritt-ashley-machiskinic-mmiw-1.3896560 https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/this-was-a-murder-2/ https://www.cbc.ca/missingandmurdered/mmiw/profiles/verna-shabaquay https://bc.ctvnews.ca/dead-woman-fell-six-storeys-from-hotel-vpd-1.698845 “The Trail Went Cold” is on Patreon. Visit www.patreon.com/thetrailwentcold to become a patron and gain access to our exclusive bonus content. The Trail Went Cold is produced and edited by Magill Foote. All music is composed by Vince Nitro.