Podcasts about ubc okanagan

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is escalating her fight against federal overreach, moving to ban federal enforcement officers from inspecting oil and gas sites in the province. The announcement comes as energy executives from some of Canada's largest oil and gas companies call on federal leaders to declare a “Canadian energy crisis.” The province is also taking aim at student unions suppressing free speech, vowing not to follow the path of UBC Okanagan's student union, which initially banned a Conservative campus club before reversing the decision. Meanwhile, Alberta has denied wrongdoing in the lawsuit filed by former Alberta Health Services CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos, saying she was fired for failing to do her job, not for investigating procurement issues. And finally, despite his poor approval ratings, Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi is making moves to join Mark Carney's Liberals, setting the stage for a costly mayoral by-election. All that and more on The Alberta Roundup with Isaac Lamoureux! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike ShawFormer Professional Skier | Author and Entrepreneur | Leadership, Change, and Resilience ExpertMike Shaw is a distinguished figure in the world of action sports and freestyle skiing. In December 2013, his life took a dramatic turn when he suffered a catastrophic skiing accident. Defying the odds, Mike embarked on an extraordinary journey of recovery, transforming his experience into a powerful story of resilience and triumph. Today, he shares his insights and strategies documented in his book, Never Part of The Plan, to help equip audiences with the tools to conquer their biggest challenges, unlock their full potential, and elevate themselves and their organizations to new heights. As an entrepreneur, author, and esteemed speaker, Mike holds a business degree from UBC Okanagan and is completing his master's degree in counselling psychology at Yorkville University. His academic pursuits solidify his commitment to supporting others' mental health.  His remarkable story has been featured on major platforms, including Red Bull TV, CBC, NBC, CTV, Global TV, City TV, USA Today, and YouTube. His impactful TEDx talk and Red Bull TV Documentary provide guidance and inspiration to those navigating difficult times.  Mike's mission is clear: to inspire and equip people to transition from merely surviving to thriving, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.In this episode we ‘get into it' with Mike about: -His injury and recovery-Resiliency -Gratitude -Mindset -Overcoming life's challenges-Facing a health Crisis' -His new career and more! Follow Mike on Instagra, read his book called Never Part of the Plan,  or visit his website to learn more about his work.

Episode SummaryThis month, the SpokenWeb Podcast is happy to showcase an episode from our sister podcast, the SoundBox Signals Podcast from SpokenWeb at UBC Okanagan. SoundBox Signals is hosted and co-produced by Karis Shearer.In this episode, from Season 2, Episode 1 of the SoundBox Signals Podcast, University of Exeter undergraduates Sofie Drew and Emily Chircop carry out a close listening of a 1980 recording of Sharon Thesen reading from her first book Artemis Hates Romance at George and Angela Bowerings' house. Drew and Chircop's conversation focuses on the intimacy, sociality, and ambiguity of the recording, and how this shapes interpretation. The episode features multiple archival clips from the digitized cassette tape, alongside interview audio from Karis Shearer and George Bowering. “Sharon Thesen's Reading at the Bowerings'” was co-produced by Emily Chircop and Sofie Drew as part of the Press Play project. The SoundBox Collection is part of the SpokenWeb SSHRC Partnership Grant.Episode NotesThese readings helped inform the episode and/or may be of interest to listeners:“Side A: Sharon Thesen's Reading at [George and Angela] Bowerings'” from Sharon Thesen fonds, nd. 2019.002.002, SoundBox Collection, AMP Lab at UBC Okanagan, Kelowna, B.C. https://soundbox.ok.ubc.ca/sharon-thesens-reading-at-bowerings/Sharon Thesen's “The Fire”: Studio Reading of “The Fire.” Ed. Amy Thiessen. https://sharonthesenthefire.omeka.net/readingThesen, Sharon. Artemis Hates Romance. Toronto: Coach House Press, 1980.Thesen, Sharon. Refabulations: Selected Longer Poems. Ed. Erin Moure. Talonbooks, 2023. https://talonbooks.com/books/?refabulationsSpokenWeb Podcast Season 1 Episode 1 “Stories of Spoken Web”: https://spokenweb.ca/podcast/episodes/stories-of-spokenweb/SpokenWeb Podcast Season 1 Episode 2 “Sound Recordings Are Weird”: https://spokenweb.ca/podcast/episodes/sound-recordings-are-weird/The Capilano Review, The Sharon Thesen Issue. Spring 2008. https://thecapilanoreview.com/issues/spring-2008-the-sharon-these-issue/Specifically, Thea Bowering's article “Sharon Thesen: Poem in Memory, and growing up there”https://journals.sfu.ca/capreview/index.php/capreview/article/view/2674/2674Sharon Thesen was born in Tisdale, Saskatchewan. She spent spent most of her early years in Kamloops and Prince George, eventually moving to Vancouver to study and teach. In 2005 she joined UBC Okanagan where she is now Professor Emerita. Thesen is the author of 11 books of poetry including a number of chapbooks. Her books have been finalists for a number of prestigious awards including the Governor-General's Award and the Dorothy Livesay Prize; her book of poems A Pair of Scissors won the Pat Lowther Memorial Award. She currently lives in Lake Country, BC.

This weekend there will be six local teams competing in playoff matches. Cavalry FC will face Forge FC in Hamilton on Sunday. The Dinos women's squad have a home playoff date vs UBC Okanagan on Friday afternoon. MRU Cougars men play the University of Victoria while the Dinos men play UFV. SAIT's men's team will face NW Polytechnic on Friday while the Trojans women's team have a bye until Saturday.  We preview all of these matches.Our interview this week is with Cavalry FC's Tobias Warschewski who discusses winning the Golden Boot, why he wanted to return to Canada after his stint in Edmonton and his thoughts prior to the playoff matchup with Forge on Sunday.Calgary Wild FC made some executive hires this week and will have a press conference on Friday afternoon. This press conference will reveal the team's first player signing and the identity of a new addition to their ownership group. It was teased that he's a Calgarian who currently plays in the NHL. We speculate on the identities of the first player and the new hockey-playing owner.Subscribe to our Substack or follow us on Twitter/X or on InstagramOur website is yycsoccer.com

B.C drops vaccine mandate for healthcare workers…now what?? GUEST: Adrian Dix, B.C's Minister of Health GOP has closed-door meeting about how not to attack Kamala Harris GUEST: Geri Mayer-Judson, Show Contributor & Paul Quirk, Phil Lind Chair in US Politics in the UBC Dept. of Political Science The Week that Was in Politics  GUEST: Keith Baldrey, Global BC Legislative Bureau Chief How does Canada get embroiled in a full-blown Olympic scandal? GUEST: Rob Fai, Weekends Mornings on CKNW host and long time sportscaster  Metro Vancouver moves forward with independent audit into North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant spending GUEST: Daniel Fontaine, New Westminster City Councillor Is the climate crisis outpacing BC's ability to adapt? GUEST: Dr. Babak Mohamadpour Tosarkani, Assistant Professor at UBC Okanagan's School of Engineering The Wrap - Should Canada be suspended from the Olympics & Should we normalize not tipping for everyday purchases? Guest: Leah Holiove, TV Reporter and Radio Host GUEST: Sarah Daniels, real estate agent in South Surrey; author and broadcaster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GUEST: Dr. Babak Mohamadpour Tosarkani, Assistant Professor at UBC Okanagan's School of Engineering Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retailer London Drugs has confirmed that criminals demanded a ransom for data taken in a cyberattack that caused its stores to shut for a week. Our guest is Michael Harvey, Information and Privacy Commissioner of B.C. And, Scarlett Johansson is pushing back against OpenAI for using an AI-generated voice that sounds "eerily similar" to hers. We speak to Wendy Wong, Professor Political Science, UBC Okanagan.

A dramatic development in a shocking case: police on Friday arrested three men in connection with the killing of the pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. We'll break down what led to the arrest and what we know so far. The public safety minister also joins the program to discuss the situation, as well as the foreign interference inquiry's first report.Then, two of Ottawa's keenest Hill-watchers break down a wild week in the House of Commons, which featured more than its fair share of theatrics.Politicians were fighting over B.C. drug decriminalization policy, which the province is looking to partially roll back. The co-founder of an anti-overdose advocacy group, and a Richmond, B.C. city councillor, both discuss that proposal.Finally, Pierre Poilievre suggested this week that he'd use the notwithstanding clause to pass some criminal justice reforms if he's elected prime minister. The House takes an in-depth look at what that could mean.This episode features the voices of: The CBC's Evan DyerPublic Safety Minister Dominic LeBlancShannon Proudfoot, Globe and MailChristopher Nardi, The National Post Leslie McBain, co-founder, Moms Stop the HarmAlexa Loo, city councillor, RichmondSujit Choudhry, constitutional lawyer, Haki ChambersLindsay Board, partner, Daniel Brown Law Geoffrey Sigalet, associate professor, UBC Okanagan

From street clearing to public transit, is it time for the province and municipalities to invest more in their response to snow? We speak with UBC Okanagan engineering professor Gordon Lovegrove about that very issue. We are also joined by New Westminster councillor Daniel Fontaine who, along with Surrey city councillor Linda Annis, is calling on Metro Vancouver and the province to hold a snow summit. In our second week, gardening columnist Brian Minter answers your questions and explains how to care for plants during cold weather

Many schools closed, commute slow as snow blankets southwest B.C. We check in with CBC reporters Baneet Braich in Abbotsford, Janella Hamilton in Surrey and our Science and Climate Specialist Darius Mahdavi. In our second half, we explore the impact on communities with more reports of vandalism and break-ins. Township of Langley Mayor Eric Woodward joins us to discuss his community's approach, and UBC Okanagan sociology professor Bonar Buffam talks about the roots of crime and different ways to deal with it.

Dr. Mathieu Bourbonnais, Assistant Professor, Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences, UBC Okanagan. Dr. Bourbonnais is one of the research partners on the project Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the fascinating changes coming to UBC's campuses — from a deepening commitment to Indigenization to groundbreaking sustainability initiatives — with Ben Johnson, Director of Campus Planning for UBC Okanagan, and Michael White, Associate Vice-President of Campus + Community Planning and the university's chief planner. Whether you're a passionate planner or simply curious about the future of UBC, this episode reveals what it takes to build world-class campuses. 

Emily Cornwall, a second-year golfer for the UBC Okanagan Heat Women's Golf Program, joins The All-Canadian Podcast! - - - Host Tyler Bennett is joined by Emily Cornwall, who is wrapping up her second year of competition with the UBC Okanagan Heat Women's Golf Program, on the latest episode of The All-Canadian Podcast, powered by the All-Canadian Sports Network! With the May 2-4 Long Weekend now in the books, golf season is officially underway, and Cornwall takes some time away from the course to discuss a variety of topics surrounding her personal golf journey. Off the top, Bennett takes a look back at the 2022 Canadian University / College Golf Championship that took place in Bromont, Quebec. The UBC Thunderbirds swept all four titles, winning the Women's and Men's Team Titles while Aidan Schumer (Men) and Sonja Tang (Women) took home the individual titles. The 2023 Canadian University / College Golf Championship takes place at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ontario from May 30th to June 2nd. Then, Cornwall joins the show to discuss her golf journey. Cornwall takes listeners through the story of how she first got into the game of golf, and when she started to take things more seriously (spoiler: it was much later in her life than you'd expect). Cornwall and Bennett discuss her collegiate career, which has been highlighted by several individual and team achievements through two seasons with the Heat. Cornwall shares what it was like to win her first-ever collegiate event back in September. Cornwall also shares a bit on what goes into her preparations ahead of a round, which includes the mental aspect in the weeks leading up to an event. - - - This week's Small Business Spotlight takes a look at KP Sports Services, a small business that is owned and operated by Lambton Men's Baseball student-athlete Kolton Pembleton. Located in Camlachie, Ontario, KP Sports Services is your local one-stop shop for all your hockey and baseball maintenance needs. From skate sharpening and rivet repair to baseball glove re-lacing and general glove repair, Kolton is equipped to take care of your needs and get you back to sport as soon as possible, and as good as new. Check out KP Sports Services on Instagram for more information. - - - Interested in making an appearance on The All-Canadian Podcast? If so, let us know here: https://forms.gle/4vZejcnRZEVHZ1kF8 - - - Be sure to FOLLOW the All-Canadian Sports Network on all social media accounts for All-Canadian Coverage, All The Time: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allcanadiansportsnetwork/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllCdnSportsNet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allcanadiansportsnetwork

In this episode of Opportunity Spotlight, Adrienne Skinner, Executive Director of Development at UBC Okanagan, joins Christoph Clodius to discuss an exciting new leadership role - Associate Director of Development. UBC Okanagan campus has the remarkable advantage of having a world-class university in the Okanagan, an unparalleled experience in Canada. Based in Kelowna, is a comprehensive, research-intensive learning community embracing bold new ways of thinking that attract exceptional students and faculty. More than 12,000 students from throughout the Okanagan region, across Canada, and 109 other countries are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs in nine faculties and schools at UBC Okanagan. If you are interested in joining this exceptional organization make sure to tune in!

Anas Qartoumeh, finance manager at UBC Okanagan and CPA candidate, speaks to Leah Giesbrecht, communications specialist at CPABC, about his journey from his home country of Syria to Kelowna, BC, in pursuit of personal freedom and career success. A proud member and advocator of the LGBTQ+ community, Anas shares his inspirational story.  

Harry Butler, the Strength & Conditioning Coach + Goalkeeper Coach for the UBC Okanagan Heat Women's Soccer Program, joins the show for Day Six of our '25 in 25' Countdown to Christmas. --- Welcome (back) to The All-Canadian Podcast, powered by the All-Canadian Sports Network! As we count down to Christmas, we are releasing a new podcast episode each day from December 1st to 25th, kind of like an audio advent calendar. Day Six features Harry Butler, the Strength & Conditioning Coach and Goalkeeper Coach for the UBC Okanagan Heat Women's Soccer Program. Butler joins host Tyler Bennett to discuss his career in Kelowna, what it takes to be a keeper, and a ton more. Butler discusses how he first discovered his love for coaching, and how his own injury from playing soccer/football helped him discover a love and passion for Strength and Conditioning. He discusses the benefits of a proper strength and conditioning plan, including how it can help athletes across various sports reach their goals. Butler also shares a bit of his process to putting together a proper plan for the student-athletes that he works with on a regular basis while also providing some advice for other athletes. Then, to close, Butler talks about what makes a good keeper. --- For more information on Soccer Strength Kelowna or what Harry Butler is up to with his training sessions, check out the links below! Visit Soccer Strength Kelowna online here: soccerstrength.ca Follow Harry Butler on Instagram at @soccerstrengthkelowna --- Interested in making an appearance on The All-Canadian Podcast? If so, let us know here: https://forms.gle/4vZejcnRZEVHZ1kF8 - - - Be sure to FOLLOW the All-Canadian Sports Network on all social media accounts for All-Canadian Coverage, All The Time: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allcanadiansportsnetwork/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllCdnSportsNet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allcanadiansportsnetwork

Carol and Rumneek talk with rapper and singer bbno$ (baby no money, aka Alex Gumuchian) about his path to astounding musical success that coincidentally began in a big way on the day of his graduation from UBC Okanagan in 2019.

In this episode we hear interdisciplinary artist Christine Howard Sandoval in conversation with Cannupa Hanska Luger. Christine breaks down the importance of research within her current practice and how her family have become an integral part of her work as she uncovers deeper relationship to her ancestors' pathways throughout California. She reflects on the complexity of connection, disconnection and reconnection to land that we all face today and how she uses performance, video surveillance documentation and large scale earthen paintings to expand upon these notions of belonging. Christine implores us to examine the future of art and education and to trust our own speed and trajectory as we navigate the artworld, reminding us that culture is not static. More about the artist: Christine Howard Sandoval is an interdisciplinary artist who lives and works in the unceded territories of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Musqueam First Nations and is an Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Praxis in the Audain Faculty of Art at Emily Carr University (Vancouver, BC). She is an enrolled member of the Chalon Nation in Bakersfield, CA. Howard Sandoval's work has exhibited nationally and internationally including: The Museum of Contemporary Art, University of São Paulo (Brazil), The Contemporary Art Gallery (Vancouver, BC), Oregon Contemporary (Portland, OR), The Museum of Capitalism (Oakland, CA), Designtransfer, Universität der Künste Berlin (Berlin, Germany), El Museo Del Barrio (New York, NY), and Socrates Sculpture Park (Queens, NY). Howard Sandoval's work has been the subject of solo museum exhibitions at the ICA San Diego (2021) and Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (2019), during which time she was the Mellon Artist in Residence at Colorado College. Howard Sandoval has been awarded numerous residencies including: UBC Okanagan, Indigenous Art Intensive program (Kelowna, BC), ICA San Diego (Encinitas, CA), Santa Fe Art Institute (Santa Fe, NM), Triangle Arts Association (New York, NY). She is represented by parrasch heijnen, Los Angeles. Photo credit: Rachel Topham Photography Featured song: Journey In Satchidananda by Alice Coltrain

First Tellurium Corp is exploring and developing tellurium projects in British Columbia and Colorado. Tellurium, gold, silver copper, tungsten. Partnership with currently working FENIX who is with UBC Okanagan and European partners to develop a solid-state, next-generation lithium-tellurium battery. First Telluium trades as FTEL on the CSE and FSTTF on the OTC.

This month, the SpokenWeb Podcast features an episode created by our former supervising producer and project manager Judith Burr. This audio is part of Judith's podcast, “Listening to Fire Knowledges in and around the Okanagan Valley,” which she produced as her master's thesis at UBC-Okanagan. While Judith was working on The SpokenWeb Podcast, she was also working on the research methodology of making a podcast as thesis and on the compiling of interviews and tape that would become the sound of this representation and intervention in ecological thinking. The episode features a number of Judith's interviews about living with wildfires in the Okanagan, including the story and poetry of Canadian poet Sharon Thesen. Listeners of the SpokenWeb Podcast might remember Thesen from past episodes, including Episode 7 of last season about the Women and Words Collection, or from episodes of our sister podcast SoundBox Signals produced by the Audio-Media-Poetry Lab at UBCO. In Judee's conversations with Sharon and other interviewees, we hear first-hand perspectives of those who have witnessed and lived through the dangers of these wildfires. We hear about challenges of resource management and land-use planning in fire-prone geographies. And we hear about the role that storytelling may have to play in helping us reckon with these challenges.SpokenWeb is a monthly podcast produced by the SpokenWeb team as part of distributing the audio collected from (and created using) Canadian Literary archival recordings found at universities across Canada. To find out more about Spokenweb visit: spokenweb.ca . If you love us, let us know! Rate us and leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or say hi on our social media @SpokenWebCanada. Episode Notes from "Listening to Fire Knowledges in and around the Okanagan Valley":This episode features interviews with poet Sharon Thesen; foresters Daryl Spencer, Dave Gill, and Gord Pratt; UBCO Living with Wildfire project lead Mathieu Bourbonnais; forest technologist Jeff Eustache; and FireSmart program lead Kelsey Winter. They discuss protecting communities in and around the Okanagan Valley from wildfire danger in light of recent wildfire seasons.“Listening to Fire Knowledges in and around the Okanagan Valley” was created by Judith Burr as her master's thesis project in the Digital Arts & Humanities theme of the Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies program at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. This work was supported by UBC-Okanagan's feminist digital humanities lab, the AMP Lab. This project was also supported in part by the Government of Canada's New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) through UBC Okanagan's “Living with Wildfire” Project. This podcast was created on the unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation. EPISODE PRODUCER: Judith (Judee) Burr is a PhD student in the Department of Geography at the University of British Columbia. She recently completed her MA in the IGS Digital Arts & Humanities theme at the University of British Columbia-Okanagan. Her research uses audio media and storytelling tools to examine the complexities of human culture in fire-adapted landscapes, connecting to the rich world of the digital environmental humanities. She has worked as an environmental researcher and writer on projects including the Value of Rhode Island Forests report and the Forestry for RI Birds project. She also co-founded the live lit reading series Stranger Stories in Providence. She graduated with a BS in Earth Systems and a BA in Philosophy in 2012 from Stanford University, where she contributed to the podcasts Generation Anthropocene and Philosophy Talk. SHOW NOTESThese show notes are approximately in order of mention, rather than alphabetical. See them cited to specific moments of the episode using the episode transcript.In this episode, we hear clips from a cover of Bob Dylan's “All Along the Watchtower” from the Lent Fraser Wall Trio's album “Shadow Moon.” Used throughout this episode with permission from John Lent. The rest of the music in this episode is from Blue Dot Sessions, and you can find specific tracks cited in the transcript: https://app.sessions.blue.Catherine Owens, Locations of Grief: An Emotional Geography (Hamilton: Wolsack & Wynn, 2020).“It is clear that a successful record of fire suppression has led to a fuel buildup in the forests of British Columbia. The fuel buildup means that there will be more significant and severe wildfires, and there will be more interface fires, unless action is taken.” Filmon, G. (2004). Firestorm 2003: Provincial Review. Government of British Columbia, https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/wildfire-status/governance/bcws_firestormreport_2003.pdf.“Master Plan for Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park.” 1990. Kamloops, B.C.: B.C. Parks, Southern Interior Region.My analysis of B.C. Wildfire Service data using QGIS. Okanagan watershed defined by watershed atlas polygons and compiled by fellow Living with Wildfire researcher Renée Larsen. Area burned data from: “Fire Perimeters – Historical.” Statistics and Geospatial Data. BC Wildfire Service. Available at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/about-bcws/wildfire-statistics.Xwisten et al., “Xwisten Report Executive Summary,” Revitalizing traditional burning: Integrating Indigenous cultural values into wildfire management and climate change adaptation planning (Department of Indigenous Services Canada (DISC) First Nations Adapt Program, 2019), Accessed April 2022 at https://www.fness.bc.ca/core-programs/forest-fuel-management/first-nations-adapt-program.; Eli Hirtle, Xwisten (Bridge River Indian Band) (Masinipayiwin Films, 2019), Accessed April 2022 at https://vimeo.com/383104228.; Shackan Indian Band et al., “Shackan Indian Band Report Executive Summary,” Revitalizing traditional burning: Integrating Indigenous cultural values into wildfire management and climate change adaptation planning (Department of Indigenous Services Canada (DISC) First Nations Adapt Program, 2019), https://www.fness.bc.ca/core-programs/forest-fuel-management/first-nations-adapt-program.; Eli Hirtle, Shackan Indian Band (Masinipayiwin Films, 2019), https://vimeo.com/383108850.Forest Enhancement Society of BC, “Projects,” Accessed May 2022, https://www.fesbc.ca/projects.Amy Thiessen, “Sharon Thesen's ‘The Fire',” English Undergraduate Honours Thesis, 2020, https://sharonthesenthefire.omeka.net/about. More Resources: FireSmart Canada, https://firesmartcanada.ca/; Blazing the Trail, https://firesmartcanada.ca/product/blazing-the-trail-celebrating-indigenous-fire-stewardship.; Nature Conservancy, Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges (TREX), http://www.conservationgateway.org/ConservationPractices/FireLandscapes/HabitatProtectionandRestoration/Training/TrainingExchanges/Pages/fire-training-exchanges.aspx; Karuk Climate Change Projects, “Fire Works!,” https://karuktribeclimatechangeprojects.com/fire-works; NC State University, “Prescribed Burn Associations,” https://sites.cnr.ncsu.edu/southeast-fire-update/prescribed-burn-associations; Firesticks Alliance, https://www.firesticks.org.au.   More Fire Podcasts: Amy Cardinal Christianson and Matthew Kristoff (Hosts), Good Fire Podcast, https://yourforestpodcast.com/good-fire-podcast; Amanda Monthei (host), Life with Fire Podcast, https://lifewithfirepodcast.com; Adam Huggins and Mendel Skulski (hosts), “On Fire: Camas, Cores, and Spores (Part 1),” Future Ecologies Podcast, August 29, 2018, https://www.futureecologies.net/listen/fe1-5-on-fire-pt-1.

In this episode, Eli Haynes talks to us about the importance of science literacy and outreach from a neuroscience perspective. Eli graduated with a degree in Human Kinetics from UBC Okanagan in 2018 and is currently a graduate student in Health and Exercise Sciences at the school. He is passionate about providing opportunities for people from underrepresented groups to engage with, and learn about the benefits of, STEM. The activities he instructs involve demonstrating the relevance of STEM knowledge in the everyday lives of outreach participants. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, host Megan Cole talks to Matt Rader. His book Ghosthawk is a finalist for the 2022 Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize. In their conversation, Jordan talks about how walking and riding his bike helped him experience the land, plants and animals that inspired his book. ABOUT MATT RADER: Matt Rader is an award-winning author of four volumes of poetry and a collection of stories, What I Want to Tell Goes Like This (Nightwood Editions, 2014). His work has appeared in Best Canadian Poetry, Geist, The Walrus, Wales Arts Review, The Fiddlehead and The Malahat Review. Rader is a core member of the Department of Creative Studies at UBC Okanagan where he lectures in creative writing. He lives in Kelowna, BC. ABOUT MEGAN COLE: Megan Cole the Director of Programming and Communications for the BC and Yukon Book Prizes. She is also a writer based on the territory of the Tla'amin Nation. Megan writes creative nonfiction and has had essays published in Chatelaine, This Magazine, The Puritan, Untethered, and more. She has her MFA in creative nonfiction from the University of King's College and is working her first book. Find out more about Megan at megancolewriter.com ABOUT THE PODCAST: Writing the Coast is recorded and produced on the traditional territory of the Tla'amin Nation. As a settler on these lands, Megan Cole finds opportunities to learn and listen to the stories from those whose land was stolen. Writing the Coast is a recorded series of conversations, readings, and insights into the work of the writers, illustrators, and creators whose books are nominated for the annual BC and Yukon Book Prizes. We'll also check in on people in the writing community who are supporting books, writers and readers every day. The podcast is produced and hosted by Megan Cole.

Kylie Johnston is a Psychology student at UBC Okanagan in Canada. She recognised that she had developed an eating disorder in September 2020 and is currently well into her recovery journey. Kylie is a passionate mental health advocate and reached out to me to share her story of recovery to help and inspire others. In this episode we discuss: Factors that led to the development of an eating disorder, including becoming vegetarian, life changes, the Covid-19 pandemic and isolation Changes in thinking style and unhelpful thought patterns that are common during an eating disorder The impact of the eating disorder Food rules, compensation mechanisms and exercise addiction Kylie's turning point and how her family helped in find the motivation to recover The aftermath of an eating disorder Benefits that Kylie experience from working with a dietician and therapist during recovery Similarities in our stories; I share some of my experience of an eating disorder Apologies for my baby brain, this episode was recorded back in May 2022 when I had a 2 month old! Despite that, I think that we cover a lot of very important points and concepts in this episode. Recovery resources. Episode 3 - What's it like to see an eating disorder dietician? with Talia Cecchele Episode 13 - Exercise, weight-loss, metabolism and rest with Faye Townsend Episode 23: Flow with Chlo on how to get your period back Connect with Rachel. Dr. Rachel Evans is a psychologist, hypnotherapist and eating disorder survivor. She brings together academic knowledge and theories, therapeutic skills and personal experience for a unique perspective on eating disorder recovery. Rachel helps ambitious women to stop restricting, bingeing and purging. and to feel comfortable in their body. https://eatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/rachel.evans.phd/ https://www.facebook.com/rachel.evans.phd Connect with Kylie. If you would like to connect with Kylie than please contact me and I can put you in touch. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rachel-evans8/support

Liz Howard's debut collection Infinite Citizen of the Shaking Tent won the 2016 Griffin Poetry Prize, was shortlisted for the 2015 Governor General's Award for poetry, and was named a Globe and Mail top 100 book. A National Magazine Award finalist, her recent work has appeared in Canadian Literature, Literary Review of Canada, Room Magazine and Best Canadian Poetry 2021. Her second collection, Letters in a Bruised Cosmos, was published by McClelland & Stewart in June 2021. Howard received an Honours Bachelor of Science with High Distinction from the University of Toronto, and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. She has completed creative writing and Indigenous arts residencies at McGill University, University of Calgary, UBC Okanagan, Douglas College, Sheridan College, and The Capilano Review. She is also an adjunct professor and lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Toronto and serves on the editorial board for Buckrider Books, an imprint of Wolsak & Wynn. She is of mixed settler and Anishinaabe heritage. Born and raised on Treaty 9 territory in Northern Ontario, she currently lives in Toronto. Click here to read Liz's profile on the Penguin Random House website. You can follow Liz on Twitter, here. As always, we would love to hear from you. Have you tried send me a message on the Eh Poetry Podcast page yet? Either way, we would like to reward you for checking out these episode notes with a special limited time coupon for 15% off your next purchase of Mary's Brigadeiro's amazing chocolate, simply use the code "ehpoetrypodcast" on the checkout page of your order. If you are a poet in Canada and are interested in hearing your poem on Eh Poetry, please feel free to send me an email: jason.e.coombs[at]gmail[dot]com Eh Poetry Podcast Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ehpoetrypodcast/message

Reefer Reporters - July 14 2022 with Glenn & AlStories include....Good first steps for Health Canada's cannabis diversity forum, but more work to be done, Microbial testing's double standard, Trees finishes acquiring Camp Cannabis pot shop, US cannabis companies tread cautiously into turbulent Canadian market, What cannabis lounges could mean for the future of weed consumption, STATE CANNABIS BOARD REQUIRES LOUNGES TO HAVE A PLAN FOR POSSIBLE DUIS, Green Flower to offer cannabis education via Worcester Polytechnic, Thailand's cannabis policy comes under fire, The Fight for Medical Cannabis in Indonesia, Psilocybin microdoses associated with better mental health and mood: UBC Okanagan study

We sit down with Dr. Ford and talk conservation.  He is an Associate Professor of Biology at UBC Okanagan in the Faculty of Science. Dr. Ford leads the Wildlife Restoration Ecology Lab (WiRE Lab) for UBC-O.  Across the Earth, human modification of the environment has never been so widespread as it is today. As a result, many populations of Canada's most recognizable wildlife – caribou, elk, deer, wolves, bears – are declining. Many of these declines are occurring because people have altered the types of interactions that occur between species: the links in the food chain are broken. To counter these impacts, restoration ecology has emerged as one of the most important disciplines in the life sciences. Restoration also forms the backbone of environmental legislation in Canada. If restoration is to succeed, scientists must develop and translate new knowledge of how people affect the outcome of species interactions. The Wildlife Restoration Ecology Lab (WiRE Lab) is addressing the impact of human activity on the interactions among large predators (wolves, bears, cougars), their prey (deer, elk), and plants, in human-modified landscapes.We use a combination of field experiments, GPS tracking, computer models, and satellite imagery to bring together the ecology of individuals, populations, and communities. Specifically, we are investigating how forestry practices, urban growth, human-wildlife conflict, and highways not only change species abundance, but the manner in which these species move through the landscape and interact with one another. The WiRE Lab also works at the nexus of research and policy to help inject science into the decision making process. You will enjoy this candid discussion with Dr. Ford and learn more about the important role academia is playing in modern wildlife management.  He also sits on the Province of BC's Minister's Wildlife Advisory Committee and the Provincial Hunting and Trapping Advisory Team.

We sit down with Dr. Ford and talk conservation.  He is an Associate Professor of Biology at UBC Okanagan in the Faculty of Science. Dr. Ford leads the Wildlife Restoration Ecology Lab (WiRE Lab) for UBC-O.  Across the Earth, human modification of the environment has never been so widespread as it is today. As a result, many populations of Canada's most recognizable wildlife - caribou, elk, deer, wolves, bears – are declining. Many of these declines are occurring because people have altered the types of interactions that occur between species: the links in the food chain are broken. To counter these impacts, restoration ecology has emerged as one of the most important disciplines in the life sciences. Restoration also forms the backbone of environmental legislation in Canada. If restoration is to succeed, scientists must develop and translate new knowledge of how people affect the outcome of species interactions. The Wildlife Restoration Ecology Lab (WiRE Lab) is addressing the impact of human activity on the interactions among large predators (wolves, bears, cougars), their prey (deer, elk), and plants, in human-modified landscapes.We use a combination of field experiments, GPS tracking, computer models, and satellite imagery to bring together the ecology of individuals, populations, and communities. Specifically, we are investigating how forestry practices, urban growth, human-wildlife conflict, and highways not only change species abundance, but the manner in which these species move through the landscape and interact with one another. The WiRE Lab also works at the nexus of research and policy to help inject science into the decision making process. You will enjoy this candid discussion with Dr. Ford and learn more about the important role academia is playing in modern wildlife management.  He also sits on the Province of BC's Minister's Wildlife Advisory Committee and the Provincial Hunting and Trapping Advisory Team.

On today's episode, Alexa and Sydney speak with Registered Clinical Counsellor, Hailey Kanigan! Hailey holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology from UBC Okanagan, and proceeded to gain a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology. Hailey is currently working in Kelowna in her private practice with adults who are challenged with anxiety, trauma, and relationship strain. Hailey's primary counselling modalities that she uses in her practice include EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy. She is passionate about helping those in times of struggle, being outside in nature, and connecting with friends and family over a good meal! Hailey joins us today to speak about EMDR as a tribute to her late friend Spencer, who had an uncanny ability to see the positives in people. Throughout this episode, Hailey explains everything from the history and theories related to EMDR's success, what a typical EMDR session may look like, as well as other techniques and treatments that she may use to help people process and heal from hurtful experiences. Sydney also shares her perspective on how EMDR has helped her desensitize and reprocess the trauma she's experienced. The purpose of today's episode is to increase awareness and understanding of EMDR, and illuminate its magic in healing and reprogramming. Hailey's passion, knowledge, and ability to break down this therapy into simplicity is truly impressive! Hailey is currently accepting new clients through virtual counselling sessions! If you'd like to learn more about her treatment offerings, or would like to book a session with her, please check out her website at www.haileykanigancounselling.com or send an email to hailey.kanigan@gmail.com. Enjoyed this episode, and eager to learn more about EMDR? Here are some additional resources about this fascinating treatment: https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IPsBPH2M1U&t=1s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKrfH43srg8 https://www.medicinenet.com/what_are_the_8_phases_of_emdr_therapy/article.htm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKrfH43srg8 To support us, please rate, review, subscribe and share! And find us on Instagram & Facebook @thesoulconnectionduo

Guest: Mary Ann Murphy, Associate Professor Dept. of History & Sociology, UBC Okanagan 

This ShortCuts episode responds to poet Daphne Marlatt's conversation with Karis Shearer and Megan Butchart in the recent SpokenWeb Podcast episode “SoundBox Signals presents Performing the Archive.” By listening to audio from Marlatt's previous archival performances, ShortCuts producer Katherine McLeod considers how we remember feelings attached to reading a poem out loud. What does it feel like to hear a recording of your own voice? Are you reminded of how you were feeling while speaking, and can the archive ever hold the memory of those feelings?*“Sometimes, unknowingly, one writes a few lines that continue to reverberate as some kind of pointer for future years of writing.” — Daphne Marlatt, “Afterword: Immediacies of Writing” (Rivering) EPISODE NOTESA fresh take on sounds from the past, ShortCuts is a monthly feature on The SpokenWeb Podcast feed and an extension of the ShortCuts blog posts on SPOKENWEBLOG. Stay tuned for monthly episodes of ShortCuts on alternate fortnights (that's every second week) following the monthly SpokenWeb podcast episode.Producer: Katherine McLeodHost: Hannah McGregorSupervising Producer: Judith Burr AUDIOAudio in this episode is from a 1970 recording of Daphne Marlatt reading in Montreal at the Sir George Williams Poetry Series, and from a 2019 interview with Marlatt conducted by Karis Shearer and Megan Butchart and that aired on The SpokenWeb Podcast's sister podcast, Soundbox Signals, and re-aired on The SpokenWeb Podcast. Listen to the full recording of Daphne Marlatt reading in Montreal (1970): https://montreal.spokenweb.ca/sgw-poetry-readings/daphne-marlatt-at-sgwu-1970/.Listen to the previous episode of The SpokenWeb Podcast, “SoundBox Signals presents Performing the Archive”: https://spokenweb.ca/podcast/episodes/soundbox-signals-presents-performing-the-archive/.Listen to the previous ShortCuts on Marlatt, “Then and Now” mentioned in this episode: https://spokenweb.ca/podcast/episodes/audio-of-the-month-then-and-now/. RESOURCES“Daphne Marlatt & Diane Wakoski: Performing the SpokenWeb Archive.” SpokenWeb. Concordia University, 21 November 2014,  https://montreal.spokenweb.ca/oral-literary-history/daphne-marlatt-diane-wakoski-performing-the-spokenweb-archive/.Marlatt, Daphne. “Afterword: Immediacies of Writing.” Rivering: The Poetry of Daphne Marlatt. Ed. Susan Knutson. Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2014. — “Bird of Passage.” Origin, vol. 3, no. 16, Cid Corman, Jan. 1970, pp. 1–68, https://jstor.org/stable/community.28042112.McLeod, Katherine. “Daphne Marlatt reading ‘Lagoon'.” SPOKENWEBLOG, 28 November, 2019, https://spokenweb.ca/daphne-marlatt-reading-lagoon/.Shearer, Karis. “Performing the Archive: Daphne Marlatt, leaf leaf/s, then and now.” The AMP Lab. UBC-Okanagan, 17 November 2019, https://amplab.ok.ubc.ca/index.php/2019/11/17/performing-the-archive-daphne-marlatt-leaf-leaf-s-then-and-now/.

This month on the SpokenWeb Podcast, we are excited to share with you a special episode from our sister podcast Soundbox Signals. Host Karis Shearer, guest curator Megan Butchart, and poet Daphne Marlatt have a conversation about Daphne Marlatt's 1969 archival recording of leaf leaf/s and her experience of performing poetry with the archive in 2019. This episode was co-produced by Karis Shearer and Nour Sallam.Produced by the SpokenWeb team at UBC Okanagan's AMP Lab, SoundBox Signals brings literary archival recordings to life through a combination of ‘curated close listening' and conversation. Hosted and co-produced by Karis Shearer, each episode is a conversation featuring a curator and special guests. Together they listen, talk, and consider how a selected recording signifies in the contemporary moment and ask what listening allows us to know about cultural history. https://soundbox.ok.ubc.ca/SpokenWeb is a monthly podcast produced by the SpokenWeb team as part of distributing the audio collected from (and created using) Canadian Literary archival recordings found at universities across Canada. To find out more about SpokenWeb visit: spokenweb.ca . If you love us, let us know! Rate us and leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or say hi on our social media @SpokenWebCanada. Episode Producers:Karis Shearer is an Associate Professor in English & Cultural Studies at UBCO where her research and teaching focus on literary audio, the literary event, the digital archive, book history, and women's labour within poetry communities. She is the editor of All These Roads: The Poetry of Louis Dudek (WLUP 2008), and has published essays on Sina Queyras's feminist blog Lemonhound, George Bowering's little magazine Imago, and Michael Ondaatje's The Long Poem Anthology. She is the author of a chapter on gendered labour and the Vancouver Poetry Conference in the book Canlit Across Media: Unarchiving the Literary Event (McGill-Queens UP, 2020) and is co-editor with Deanna Fong of Wanting Everything: The Collected Works of Gladys Hindmarch (Talonbooks, 2020). She also directs the AMP Lab, is a Governing Board member and lead UBCO Researcher for the SpokenWeb SSHRC Partnership Grant. She held the 2010-11 Canada-U.S. Fulbright Visiting Research Chair at Vanderbilt University.Megan Butchart is currently an MA student in English and Film Studies at the University of Alberta. She received her Bachelor of Arts at UBCO in 2020, majoring in English and History. She is interested in Archival Studies and is passionate about the preservation and conservation of artifacts, and the making available of such resources for public research and study. She is pleased to participate in The SoundBox Project, which merges literary, historical, and archival elements.Nour Sallam co-produced the original episode for SoundBox Signals. She is a former UBC-Okanagan undergraduate student, who graduated  with Honours in English and Political Science.Featured Guest:Daphne Marlatt (1942-) grew up in Penang, Malaysia before immigrating to Canada in the 1950s. While studying at UBC in the 1960s, Marlatt was one of the editors during the second-phase of TISH. Marlatt has written over twenty collections of poetry and prose including Steveston (1974), The Given (2008), and Reading Sveva (2016). In 2006 she received the Order of Canada. Marlatt lives in Vancouver. For the shout-outs mentioned in this episode, please visit the links below:John Lent's “A Matins Flywheel”: https://thistledownpress.com/product/a-matins-flywheel/David R. Loy's “Nonduality in Buddhism and Beyond”: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Nonduality/David-R-Loy/9781614295242Daphne Marlatt's Ana Historic: https://houseofanansi.com/products/ana-historicInspired Word Cafe: http://www.inspiredwordcafe.com/Read more about the AMP Lab's events with Daphne Marlatt:Shearer, Karis. “Performing the Archive: Daphne Marlatt, leaf leaf/s, then and now.” The AMP Lab Blog. 17 November 2019. http://amplab.ok.ubc.ca/index.php/2019/11/17/performing-the-archive-daphne-marlatt-leaf-leaf-s-then-and-now/Buchart, Megan. "Poetry, Campus, Community: Tuum Est.” The AMP Lab Blog. 18 November 2019. http://amplab.ok.ubc.ca/index.php/2019/11/18/poetry-campus-community-tuum-est/Oddleifson, Shauna. “Performing the Archive: Daphne Marlatt.” In Featured Stories and Our Students, UBCO Faculty of Critical and Creative Studies. 11 September 2019. https://fccs.ok.ubc.ca/2019/09/11/performing-the-archive-daphne-marlatt/ 

Yoga improves quality of life in men with new diagnosis of prostate cancer University of Texas at San Antonio, November 23, 2021 An estimated 1.4 million men were diagnosed with prostate cancer worldwide in 2020, according to the American Cancer Society and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. With a new diagnosis of prostate cancer, these men have approximately a 30% incidence of depression and anxiety, a fourfold higher risk of heart attack and a twofold higher risk of committing suicide. Yoga, a set of specific body postures combined with breathing techniques and mindfulness, may be an easy-to-implement answer in this stressful situation, according to a study published Nov. 23 in the journal Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases. A pilot randomized clinical trial by urology researchers at the Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, enrolled 29 men who were awaiting prostatectomy. Fourteen were randomized to participate in yoga and 15 were assigned to the standard of care, which was just waiting for surgery. “We gave the active intervention group six weeks of yoga, at least twice a week, for 60 to 75 minutes,” said lead author Dharam Kaushik, MD, associate professor of urology in UT Health San Antonio's Joe R. and Teresa Lozano School of Medicine and cancer surgeon with the Mays Cancer Center. Via questionnaires, the team documented the men's perceived quality of life at the start of yoga, at the time of surgery and after surgery. Men who did not do yoga completed the same questionnaires at study enrollment and at the other two junctures. The team drew blood samples before the men began yoga and after all sessions were completed. Samples were also taken from men who did not do yoga. Sense of well-being  “What we found was very interesting,” Dr. Kaushik said. “Yoga improved quality of life in men compared to the standard of care, specifically on the fatigue scale, meaning they were less tired; on sexual function; and on their functional, physical and social well-being.” A more robust immune response and lower levels of inflammation were observed in the yoga group, he added. “This is positive data and further large-scale studies are needed, for which this pilot study can be a model,” Dr. Kaushik said. Biomarkers and yoga The primary study outcome was self-reported quality of life assessed by the questionnaires. Changes in immune cell status and inflammatory markers with yoga were secondary outcomes. The yoga group showed increased numbers of circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, which are important contributors to immune health. Among other markers, the yoga group also exhibited a reduction in inflammatory markers called cytokines. The median age of participants was 56 years in the yoga group and 60 years in the standard of care group. Yoga has been studied in breast cancer, but not at the level of detail of this study, matching self-reported quality of life data with markers of immune response and inflammation, Dr. Kaushik said. “If we are able to encourage patients to do a small, inexpensive and easy-to-implement intervention that can have a big impact, then why not?” he said.     Researchers Discover How Antibiotic Power of Garlic Fights Chronic Infections Washington State University, November 28, 2021   Garlic is probably nature's most potent food. It is one of the reasons people who eat the Mediterranean diet live such long healthy lives. An active sulphurous compound found in garlic can be used to fight robust bacteria in patients with chronic infections, a new study from the University of Copenhagen indicates.   A previous finding from Washington State University showed that garlic is 100 times more effective than two popular antibiotics at fighting disease causing bacteria commonly responsible for foodborne illness.  Here the researchers show that the garlic compound is able to destroy important components in the bacteria's communication systems, which involve regulatory RNA molecules. 'We really believe this method can lead to treatment of patients, who otherwise have poor prospects. Because chronic infections like cystic fibrosis can be very robust. But now we, together with a private company, have enough knowledge to further develop the garlic drug and test it on patients', says Assistant Professor Tim Holm Jakobsen from the Costerton Biofilm Center at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology. The study is the latest addition from a research group headed by Professor Michael Givskov, which since 2005 has focussed on garlic's effect on bacteria. At the time they learned that garlic extract is able to inhibit bacteria, and in 2012 they showed that the sulphurous compound ajoene found in garlic is responsible for the effect. The new study, which has been published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports, takes an even closer look and documents ajoene's ability to inhibit small regulatory RNA molecules in two types of bacteria. 'The two types of bacteria we have studied are very important. They are called Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They actually belong to two very different bacteria families and are normally fought using different methods. But the garlic compound is able to fight both at once and therefore may prove an effective drug when used together with antibiotics', says Tim Holm Jakobsen. Previous studies have shown that garlic appears to offer the most powerful, naturally occurring resistance to bacteria. In addition to inhibiting the bacteria's RNA molecules, the active garlic compound also damages the protective slimy matrix surrounding the bacteria, the so-called biofilm. When the biofilm is destroyed or weakened, both antibiotics and the body's own immune system are able to attack the bacteria more directly and thus remove the infection. In 2012 the researchers took out a patent on the use of ajoene to fight bacterial infections. Similar patents have been taken out for compounds in allicin -- which gives garlic its aroma and flavour -- and is known as one of the world's most powerful antioxidants.     Calorie restriction cycles could help cancer patients Fondazione Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori (Italy), November 22 2021.  Findings from a trial reported on November 17, 2021 in Cancer Discovery revealed that five days of a diet that mimics fasting is safe for people with cancer and could improve factors that affect prognosis. The trial included 101 patients with different cancers treated with standard therapies. Participants were assigned to a five-day low protein, low carbohydrate, plant-based diet that provided up to 600 calories on the first day and up to 300 calories per day during the remaining days. The regimen was repeated every three or four weeks for up to eight cycles. Each period of calorie restriction was followed by a period in which patients were instructed to adhere to healthy diet and lifestyle guidelines. Blood samples were collected before and at the end of each calorie restricted period. Severe adverse events related to the diet were reported by 12.9% of the participants, which was significantly lower than the 20% figure hypothesized by the researchers prior to the study. Median plasma glucose, serum insulin and serum IGF-1 were decreased by 18.6%, 50.7% and 30.3% after each cycle. In an evaluation conducted among a subgroup of participants after the first calorie restricted cycle, a reduction in peripheral blood immunosuppressive cells and an increase of immune cells known as activated CD8+ T cells was observed. To explore the effects of the diet on immunity within cancer patients' tumors, the researchers performed an analysis of findings from an ongoing trial that administered the fasting-mimicking diet prior to tumor removal in breast cancer patients. Tumor microenvironments revealed enhanced tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells and additional favorable immune factors when compared to biopsy samples obtained before the diet was initiated.  “Cyclic fasting-mimicking diet is a safe, feasible and inexpensive dietary intervention that modulates systemic metabolism and boosts antitumor immunity in cancer patients,” the authors concluded.     Morning exposure to deep red light improves declining eyesight University College London, November 24, 2021       Just three minutes of exposure to deep red light once a week, when delivered in the morning, can significantly improve declining eyesight, finds a pioneering new study by UCL researchers. Published in Scientific Reports, the study builds on the team's previous work*, which showed daily three-minute exposure to longwave deep red light ‘switched on' energy producing mitochondria cells in the human retina, helping boost naturally declining vision.   For this latest study, scientists wanted to establish what effect a single three-minute exposure would have, while also using much lower energy levels than their previous studies. Furthermore, building on separate UCL research in flies** that found mitochondria display ‘shifting workloads' depending on the time of day, the team compared morning exposure to afternoon exposure. In summary, researchers found there was, on average, a 17% improvement in participants' colour contrast vision when exposed to three minutes of 670 nanometre (long wavelength) deep red light in the morning and the effects of this single exposure lasted for at least a week. However, when the same test was conducted in the afternoon, no improvement was seen. Scientists say the benefits of deep red light, highlighted by the findings, mark a breakthrough for eye health and should lead to affordable home-based eye therapies, helping the millions of people globally with naturally declining vision. Lead author, Professor Glen Jeffery (UCL Institute of Ophthalmology), said: “We demonstrate that one single exposure to long wave deep red light in the morning can significantly improve declining vision, which is a major health and wellbeing issue, affecting millions of people globally. “This simple intervention applied at the population level would significantly impact on quality of life as people age and would likely result in reduced social costs that arise from problems associated with reduced vision.” Naturally declining vision and mitochondria In humans around 40 years old, cells in the eye's retina begin to age, and the pace of this ageing is caused, in part, when the cell's mitochondria, whose role is to produce energy (known as ATP) and boost cell function, also start to decline. Mitochondrial density is greatest in the retina's photoreceptor cells, which have high energy demands. As a result, the retina ages faster than other organs, with a 70% ATP reduction over life, causing a significant decline in photoreceptor function as they lack the energy to perform their normal role. In studying the effects of deep red light in humans, researchers built on their previous findings in mice, bumblebees and fruit flies, which all found significant improvements in the function of the retina's photoreceptors when their eyes were exposed to 670 nanometre (long wavelength) deep red light. “Mitochondria have specific sensitivities to long wavelength light influencing their performance: longer wavelengths spanning 650 to 900nm improve mitochondrial performance to increase energy production,” said Professor Jeffery. Morning and afternoon studies The retina's photoreceptor population is formed of cones, which mediate colour vision, and rods, which adapt vision in low/dim light. This study focused on cones*** and observed colour contrast sensitivity, along the protan axis (measuring red-green contrast) and the tritan axis (blue-yellow). All the participants were aged between 34 and 70, had no ocular disease, completed a questionnaire regarding eye health prior to testing, and had normal colour vision (cone function). This was assessed using a ‘Chroma Test': identifying coloured letters that had very low contrast and appeared increasingly blurred, a process called colour contrast.    Using a provided LED device all 20 participants (13 female and 7 male) were exposed to three minutes of 670nm deep red light in the morning between 8am and 9am. Their colour vision was then tested again three hours post exposure and 10 of the participants were also tested one week post exposure.  On average there was a ‘significant' 17% improvement in colour vision, which lasted a week in tested participants; in some older participants there was a 20% improvement, also lasting a week. A few months on from the first test (ensuring any positive effects of the deep red light had been ‘washed out') six (three female, three male) of the 20 participants, carried out the same test in the afternoon, between 12pm to 1pm.  When participants then had their colour vision tested again, it showed zero improvement. Professor Jeffery said: “Using a simple LED device once a week, recharges the energy system that has declined in the retina cells, rather like re-charging a battery. “And morning exposure is absolutely key to achieving improvements in declining vision: as we have previously seen in flies, mitochondria have shifting work patterns and do not respond in the same way to light in the afternoon – this study confirms this.” For this study the light energy emitted by the LED torch was just 8mW/cm2, rather than 40mW/cm2, which they had previously used. This has the effect of dimming the light but does not affect the wavelength. While both energy levels are perfectly safe for the human eye, reducing the energy further is an additional benefit. Home-based affordable eye therapies With a paucity of affordable deep red-light eye-therapies available, Professor Jeffery has been working for no commercial gain with Planet Lighting UK, a small company in Wales and others, with the aim of producing 670nm infra-red eye ware at an affordable cost, in contrast to some other LED devices designed to improve vision available in the US for over $20,000. “The technology is simple and very safe; the energy delivered by 670nm long wave light is not that much greater than that found in natural environmental light,” Professor Jeffery said. “Given its simplicity, I am confident an easy-to-use device can be made available at an affordable cost to the general public. “In the near future, a once a week three-minute exposure to deep red light could be done while making a coffee, or on the commute listening to a podcast, and such a simple addition could transform eye care and vision around the world.” Study limitations Despite the clarity of the results, researchers say some of the data are “noisy”. While positive effects are clear for individuals following 670nm exposure, the magnitude of improvements can vary markedly between those of similar ages. Therefore, some caution is needed in interpretating the data. It is possible that there are other variables between individuals that influence the degree of improvement that the researchers have not identified so far and would require a larger sample size. This research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, and Sight Research UK.   Global rise in red/processed meat trade linked to sharp increase in diet-related illness Michigan State University & University of California at Merced, November 22, 2021   The global rise in the red and processed meat trade over the past 30 years is linked to a sharp increase in diet related ill health, with the impact greatest in Northern and Eastern Europe and the island nations of the Caribbean and Oceania, finds an analysis published in the open access journal BMJ Global Health. Health policies should be integrated with agricultural and trade policies among importing and exporting nations as a matter of urgency, to stave off further personal and societal costs, say the researchers. Among continuous urbanisation and income growth, the global red and processed meat trade has risen exponentially to meet demand. This trend has implications for the environment because of the impact it has on land use and biodiversity loss.  And high red and processed meat consumption is linked to a heightened risk of non-communicable diseases, particularly bowel cancer, diabetes, and coronary artery heart disease. The researchers wanted to find out what impact the red and processed meat trade might be having on diet-related non-communicable disease trends and which countries might be particularly vulnerable.  They drew on data on meat production and trade from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) from 1993 to 2018 for 154 countries, focusing on 14 red meat items derived from beef, pork, lamb and goat, and six processed primarily beef and pork items, preserved by smoking, salting, curing, or chemicals. They then calculated the proportions of deaths and years of life lived with disability (DALYs) attributable to diet as a result of bowel cancer, type 2 diabetes, and coronary artery heart disease among those aged 25 and over in each country. The global red and processed meat trade increased by more than 148% from 10 metric tonnes in 1993–5 to nearly 25 metric tonnes in 2016–18. While the number of net exporting countries fell from 33 in 1993–5 to 26 in 2016–18, net importing countries rose from 121 to 128.  Developed countries in Europe accounted for half of total red and processed meat exports in 1993–95 and 2016–18.  But developing countries in South America, such as Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay made up nearly 10% in 2016–18, up from around 5% in 1993–5.  Developing countries also increased their meat imports by 342.5% from 2 metric tonnes in 1993–5 to nearly 9 metric tonnes in 2016–18; developed countries doubled theirs from 8 metric tonnes to 16. Diet related attributable death and DALY rates associated with the global meat trade rose in three quarters of the 154 countries between 1993-5 and 2016-18. Worldwide, the researchers calculated that increases in red and processed meat consumption, aligned to increases in trade, accounted for 10,898 attributable deaths in 2016–18, an increase of nearly 75% on the figures for 1993-5.  The global meat trade contributed to increases of 55% and 71%, respectively, in attributable deaths and DALYs in developed countries between 1993-5 and 2016-18.  The equivalent figures in developing countries were significantly higher: 137% and 140%, respectively, largely as a result of increased demand for meat, prompted by rapid urbanisation and income growth, suggest the researchers. Between 1993– 2018, island nations in the Caribbean and Oceania and  countries in Northern and Eastern Europe became particularly vulnerable to diet-related disease and deaths associated with large meat imports.  The island nations have limited land for meat production, so depend heavily on meat imports, while many of the European countries, such as Slovakia, Lithuania and Latvia, benefited from regional trade agreements and tariff exemptions after joining the European Union in 2003-4, which accelerated meat imports, explain the researchers. In 1993–5, the top 10 countries with the highest proportion of deaths attributable to red meat consumption included Tonga, United Arab Emirates, Barbados, Fiji, Gabon, Bahamas, Greece, Malta, Brunei and Saint Lucia.  In 2016–2018, the top 10 included The Netherlands, Bahamas, Tonga, Denmark, Antigua and Barbuda, Seychelles, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Croatia and Greece. The meat trade in these countries accounted for more than 7% of all deaths attributable to diets high in both red and processed meat in 2016-18. The trends in attributable DALYs more or less mirrored those for attributable deaths. Attributable death and DALY rates associated with global meat trade fell in 34 countries between 1993–5 and 2016–18. But this was partly due to population growth exceeding increases in meat imports in 24 countries, while domestic meat production increased in 19.  In more than a half of these countries (20) the absolute number of diet-related deaths and DALYs rose in tandem with increased meat consumption between 1993-5 and 2016-18. And some countries, including Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Germany increasingly acted as net meat exporters, changing their land use, with consequent biodiversity loss. This is an observational study, and as such, can't establish cause. And the researchers acknowledge that many countries import and process red meat items for export, which may have skewed their findings. Nevertheless, they conclude: “This study shows that global increases in red and processed meat trade contribute to the abrupt increase of diet-related [non-communicable diseases]... Future interventions need to urgently integrate health policies with agricultural and trade policies by cooperating between responsible exporting and importing countries.”     Glyphosate levels sharply increase by 1,208% within the human body University of California San Diego The environmental dangers of glyphosate in Roundup and other weed killer products have been well documented. Now new research, from a team led by Paul Mills of the University of California San Diego, has found it could be negatively affecting human health – especially in lower-income communities, as illustrated by the 1,208 percent increase in human glyphosate levels. The study tracked people in southern California over age 50 from the years 1993 to 1996 as well as from 2014 to 2016. Urine samples were collected from these persons (periodically) during that time. Number of persons testing positive for glyphosate in their urine went up by 500 percent within 20 years The researchers determined the percentage of persons testing positive for glyphosate went up an alarming 500 percent during that time period.  And, for some, glyphosate levels surged by a frightening 1,208 percent. A past UK trial of rats fed low doses of glyphosate – over their lifetimes – were found to have a higher risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Research out of King's College in London found this toxic herbicide ingredient can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats at just 4 nanograms/kg. By the way, this amount is 437,000 times below levels that are allowed in the United States. In more recent research, the levels of glyphosate in the humans studied were proportionately 100-fold higher. Further research regarding the connection between glyphosate and liver disease are being planned.  But, what we already know has been published in JAMA. Important to note: people who live in rural areas near farms that use Roundup are at the highest risk for exposure.  Yet, traces of this herbicide ingredient – left on fruits and vegetables – can easily make its way into the bloodstream of anyone who consumes these foods. Glyphosate weed killer in Roundup considered “probable carcinogen” by World Health Organization While Roundup was developed to kill weeds, many weed types have actually become resistant to the herbicide. This is causing some farmers to use even more Roundup. Glyphosate has been listed as a “probable human carcinogen” by WHO (the World Health Organization). It has also been linked with birth defects, ADHD and autism. Studies on humans have shown Roundup causes liver damage even when found in “permissible amounts” in tap water. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease currently affects 90 million Americans and is on the verge of becoming a global epidemic. Associated disorders such as diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome are also soaring. Glyphosate in Roundup weed killer INCREASES the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease While the known causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease include overeating, sugary foods and a sedentary lifestyle, some health professionals are beginning to wonder if glyphosate exposure is exacerbating this trend. NAFLD symptoms include chronic fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain and/or swelling, weight loss, jaundice, itching, confusion and swelling of the legs. Untreated, NAFLD can lead to liver cancer and liver failure. Unfortunately, glyphosate residue has been showing up in increasing amounts in our food supply. It has even been detected in wine, table salt and vaccines. So, it really isn't a wonder how glyphosate levels in the human bloodstream have increased by 1,208 percent. If you're outraged by this, take the time to voice your opinion to your state representatives. And, at the very least, eat organic fruits and vegetables – as often as possible to avoid this cancer-causing substance.   Study finds psychedelic microdosing improves mental health University of British Columbia, November 23, 2021 An international study led by UBC Okanagan researchers suggests repeated use of small doses of psychedelics such as psilocybin or LSD can be a valuable tool for those struggling with anxiety and depression. The study, recently published in Nature: Scientific Reports, demonstrated fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, and greater feelings of wellbeing among individuals who reported consuming psychedelics in small quantities, or microdosing, compared to those who did not. Microdosing involves regular self-administration of psychedelic substances in amounts small enough to not impair normal cognitive functioning. Considering this is the largest psychedelic microdosing study published to date, the results are encouraging, says UBCO doctoral student and lead author Joseph Rootman. "In total, we followed more than 8,500 people from 75 countries using an anonymous self-reporting system—about half were following a microdosing regimen and half were not," Rootman explains. "In comparing microdosers and non-microdosers, there was a clear association between microdosing and fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress—which is important given the high prevalence of these conditions and the substantial suffering they cause." The study is also the first to systematically examine the practice of stacking, or combining microdoses of psychedelics with other substances like niacin, lions mane mushrooms and cacao, which some believe work in conjunction to maximize benefit. Rootman works with Dr. Zach Walsh, a psychology professor in UBCO's Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dr. Walsh says it's an exciting time for research in this area. "These findings highlight adults who are microdosing to treat their mental health conditions and enhance their wellbeing—rather than simply to get high," says Dr. Walsh. "We have an epidemic of mental health problems, with existing treatments that don't work for everyone. We need to follow the lead of patients who are taking these initiatives to improve their wellbeing and reduce suffering." Study co-author Kalin Harvey is the chief technology officer of Quantified Citizen, a mobile health research platform. He says this study highlights the potential of citizen science. "The use of citizen science allows us to examine the effects of behaviors that are difficult to study in the lab due to regulatory challenges and stigma associated with the now discredited 'war on drugs.'" According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in five Canadians personally experience a mental health problem or illness each year. This is one of the many reasons Dr. Walsh says conducting innovative psychological research is imperative. "These cross-sectional findings are promising and highlight the need for further investigation to better determine the impacts of factors like dosage and stacking," explains Dr. Walsh. "While the data is growing to support the use of psychedelics like psilocybin in large doses to treat depression and addiction—our data also helps to expand our understanding of how psychedelics may also help in smaller doses."

Today is the deadline for B.C. health care workers to get vaccinated or go on unpaid leave. We hear about what that could mean for hospital staffing levels with Katrina Plamondon, a professor in the faculty of nursing at UBC Okanagan. In our 2nd half, we discuss a new law being considered in Ontario that would require large employers to implement "right to disconnect" policies.

On today's show: UBC Okanagan students told their classes are moving online! BC gave $211M interest-free loan in Little Mountain land sale Helping Afghan refugees! Discussing the politics around Chinook openings! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UBC Head Coach Mike Hawkins joins the show to talk about his impressive playing and coaching career. Mike's coaching resume includes Team Canada Youth National Team, Assistant Coach with UBC Okanagan, interim Head Coach and before that Assistant Coach at Thompson Rivers, Head Coach of Lethbridge College. As a player Mike competed for TRU and Mount Royal.    We hope you enjoy this episode. If you've read this far please, please, please leave a comment, a 5 Star review and the best compliment you can give the show is telling your friends about us!     We couldn't be more excited to partner with Momentum Pro Camps. Momentum Pro Camps runs volleyball camps across Ontario, bringing professional athletes, coaches and resources to communities, clubs and partners. Follow Momentum on social media @momentumprocamps for updates and details on future programs, or email them at contact@momentumprocamps.com! Stay Excellent Friends    Be sure to check out Club Json at https://www.clubjson.com/ Use promo code dimes to get 15% off your order. Any order over $99 in North America will get free shipping!

Brain Injury Expert and ABI Wellness CEO Mark Watson sits down with Karen Mason and Dr. Paul van Donkelaar, founders of SOAR Project. SOAR, Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury through Research, (www.soarproject.ca) is a multi-disciplinary, community-engaged, research partnership between UBC - Okanagan and Kelowna Women's shelter in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Their goal is to increase knowledge, education, and awareness, and ensure women who have experienced brain injury at the hands of a partner get the trauma-informed services and support to move on to a healthy abuse-free life. Listen in as they discuss the effects and incidents of brain injury in women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Be sure to check back in next week for an episode with Dr. Kim Willment, Neuropsychologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

This is already something that is taking place in many parts of the world now, but we have a guest that doesn't think it's the best idea. Dr. Katrina Plamondon, is Assistant Professor at UBC Okanagan's School of Nursing

Sylvi Fekete discusses the recent graduates of the Including All-Citizens Program at the Kwantlen Polytechnic University. She also tells us how the UBC Okanagan using therapy dogs to help build social skills in children. From the February 25, 2021 episode.

Today on NOW with Dave Brown, human rights advocate Fareed Khan discusses the Myanmar protests and its effect on the Rohingya minority. Producer Dawn Dickinson previews The Guardian This Week with an article about a water plant in Spain that is working toward clean power using leftover oranges. Community reporter Becki Zerr tells us about a new guide dog handler’s group in Regina, Saskatchewan. Steven Scott of Double Tap Canada describes his experience with Belkin’s new 3-in-1 Wireless Charger. And, Sylvi Fekete discusses the recent graduates of the Including All-Citizens Program at the Kwantlen Polytechnic University. This is the February 25, 2021 episode.

Chapter 1: The man who drove a rented van down a Toronto sidewalk, killing 10 people and injuring 16 others, is pleading not guilty on the grounds he is not criminally responsible for his actions.  The court has heard almost a week of testimony from psychiatrists on both sides. Guest: John Woodard, Global News reporter in Toronto. Chapter 2: A new study from UBC suggests that people with low socioeconomic status are more likely to have a negative view of policy makers and how they obtained their political power. To learn more, our Niki Reitmayer spoke to researcher Leanne ten Brinke, assistant professor in the department of psychology at UBC Okanagan. Chapter 3: They’re already flying off the shelves, turkeys are hard to get ahold of right now if you’re planning an early Christmas dinner!  Michael Benoit is the general manager of the BC Turkey Farmers Association and he joins us to talk about how much product they’re moving right now.  Guest: Michael Benoit, General Manager with the BC Turkey Farmers Association. Chapter 4: That’s Surrey City Councillor Jack Hundial speaking with us yesterday, and the Surrey Board of Trade is continuing to voice their opposition to the police transition as well.  So is this thing a done deal or not? Guest: Anita Huberman, Surrey Board of Trade CEO. Chapter 5: December is an important time of year for restaurants that count on events and buyouts to bring in a lot of revenue.  With COVID restrictions extended through January, let’s find out how that changes the picture for them.  Guest: Ian Tostenson, President/CEO BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association. Chapter 6: A local mom is in the middle of a remarkable fight as she seeks treatment for her daughter’s condition.  Makeda is one of just 300 people in the WORLD with a degenerative disease called AGU.  Guest: Barbara Insley, Makeda’s mother. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a BONUS Episode of the Four Quarters Podcast, powered by Four Quarters Media! Host Tyler Bennett is joined by Bobby Mitchell, Head Coach of the UBC Okanagan Heat Women's Basketball program. Off the top, Bennett and Mitchell discuss the representation, or lack thereof, of Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Colour in coaching and higher administration roles at the U Sports level (13:20). Then, Mitchell shares how he got his start in coaching, and it came when he least expected it, but he was in the right place at the right time, as the case has been throughout his entire career (29:07). During that, Mitchell shares how he got his start with Club Basketball (32:28). From there, Mitchell discusses his mindset when coaching with the Interim Tag ahead of his title during the 2018-19 season, and how that affected his approach to recruiting (45:47). Then, Mitchell shares the HEAT Way of doing things at UBC Okanagan, and how the Heat have developed a winning culture at UBC Okanagan (55:40). As things wind down, Mitchell shares his thoughts on the career of Jordan Korol, the debut season of Jaeli Ibbetson, and how they both went underappreciated on a National level last season (1:10:12). To close, Mitchell and Bennett discuss ways that we can collectively grow the level of coverage in Canada to better respect, admire, and appreciate the game of basketball at both the U Sports and CCAA levels (1:37:12). (MUSIC: bensound.com)

We chat with Doug Rogers, Substance Abuse Prevention Counsellor for School District 22 in Vernon and Dr. Marvin Krank, Professor of Psychology at UBC Okanagan

David Jefferess teaches English and Cultural Studies at UBC Okanagan. Please consider supporting the show and help me hit my goal of $1500 a month. I have a Patreon and Gofundme. You can also donate directly with Venmo or Paypal.  Links on the homepage, eastpodcast.com 

Yerdana is a student at UBC Okanagan. He is interested in Formula One, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. He is also proficient in Python and has worked on a couple of Data Science related projects. In this episode, we talk about Neuralink, Blockchain, Formula One, and Programming in General.

On this episode of the Comprehensive Canadian University Guide, we feature University of British Columbia's Engineering faculty. Our guests this week are Lauren, a student recruiter advisor at UBC Okanagan, Iouana, an electrical engineering student at the Vancouver campus, and Ven, a 5th-year mechanical engineering student at the Okanagan campus. We discuss everything from academics and student life, to co-op, admissions and more! We highly recommend going to the UBC website for more information or contacting info@apsc.ubc.ca if you're interested in learning more. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @ccugpodcast Show Notes (2:14) – (First question) - General (9:13) – Academics (25:30) – Extra-Curriculars / Student Life (35:12) – Student Support (48:16) – Admissions (1:01:03) – Why UBC Engineering? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ccug/message

While many individuals are able to quickly lose weight through a variety of means, maintaining weight loss over time has proven to be elusive. Dr. Lesley Lutes, R. Psych joins host Dr. Pete Kelly, C. Psych to discuss Small Changes - an innovative evidence-based CBT approach to weight loss and lifestyle change that Dr. Lutes has developed and studied extensively. In the course of this discussion Drs. Lutes and Kelly discuss why behavioural change is so hard, consider the factors that contribute to obesity from a biopsychosocial perspective, outline the Small Changes treatment approach including its underlying theory, core interventions, integration of values and evolutionary underpinnings, discuss the impact of trauma and other forms of psychological distress on eating, elucidate the link between mental health and obesity as well as consider how parents might discuss concerns around health and weight with young children and adolescents. Dr. Lesley Lutes is a Professor and Director of Clinical Training at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan. Dr. Lutes is a registered psychologist whose area of research is in developing innovative behavioral treatment interventions focused on lifestyle change. Much of her research has been in developing an evidence-based new treatment approach called Small Changes, which has resulted in international recognition, national awards, and policy changes. She has secured more than $5 million dollars of research funding to date, helping her publish over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and deliver over 100 community and conference presentations. Dr. Lutes is the supervisor of the healthy weight specialty service in the Interprofessional clinic at UBC Okanagan, working with graduate student clinicians to help individuals achieve positive behavior changes related to weight loss and long-term weight loss maintenance, binge eating treatment, and other factors impacting health and well-being through group or individual therapy. Dr. Lutes values student training, mentorship, caring for patients, developing evidence-based treatments to help improve individual’s health and well-being, and developing policy and systematic change for people to access mental health and health behavior change services. https://www.thecorelabubc.com/drlesleylutes

evolution is a podcast shining light on our ecosystem's stories of innovation, impact and hustle throughout their venture building journey. Join us as we build community and knowledge related to entrepreneurship during the course of COVID-19. On this week's episode of our podcast, evolution, host and entrepreneurship@UBC's Creative Specialist MJ Araujo speaks with TasteAdvisor Founder and CEO, Alyssa Farr. TasteAdvisor is a technology platform that matches individual consumer taste preferences to wine, with a matching accuracy greater than 80%. Alyssa shares how she set out to solve one of the industry's most complicated problems and how TasteAdvisor is creating wins for the entire wine ecosystem.  About Alyssa Farr Alyssa Farr is Founder and CEO of TasteAdvisor, the Okanagan-focused wine app that helps people discover their new favourite wines, in amazing venues, all while enjoying a local wine experience that was custom-crafted for them. Additionally, Alyssa acts as a business coach, is the owner of Unlimited Contracting (a social enterprise residential and commercial maintenance renovation company) and is an Entrepreneur in Residence at Purppl. About TasteAdvisor TasteAdvisor  takes the guesswork out of buying wine. TasteAdvisor is a venture that was part of entrepreneurship@UBC Okanagan. Learn more about e@UBCO, here.Interested in furthering your own entrepreneurial journey? Join us September 8th at our Community Town Hall and sign up to be the first to register for our first ever entrepreneruship@UBC Immersion Week, September 28th to October 2nd, where we will demystify entrepreneurship in the innovation economy. 

We have all been in a foreign country before, phone in-hand, attempting to use google translate to communicate with a waiter or taxi driver. This got the two of us thinking: Why don't all humans speak the same language? Why are distinct languages still a thing? Join us as we dive into the cultural, social, and geopolitical factors that contribute to why humans aren't well-equipped for a universal language. We will be speaking with Dr. Christine Schreyer, an associate professor of anthropology at UBC Okanagan. Her work in several Hollywood films contributed to the development of multiple fictitious languages: Kryptonian from Man of Steel (2013), Eltarian from Power Rangers (2017), and Beama from Alpha (2018). In this week's episode, we'll also be examining the language Esperanto, the future of language learning, and how identity is associated with language. Interested in learning more? To answer that question, grab a pen, take out a napkin, and join us on our podcast! Check out Dr. Christine Schreyer's research here: christineschreyer.ca

Chapter 1: After three decades, the TV show ‘Cops' is officially being cancelled. Guest: Niki Reitmayer - CKNW Mornings contributor. Chapter 2: A case of COVID-19 in Manitoba has been traced to a long haul truck driver, and federal NDP member of parliament Don Davies is calling for the government to implement testing for drivers crossing the US Border.  Guest: Dave Earle, BCTA President.  Chapter 3: One of the looming questions as we approach Phase 3 of reopening is which industries WON'T come back? Guest: Andrew Petter, SFU President. Chapter 4: The first of the hybrid-electric vessels BC Ferries had delivered in January is going into service today!  The Island Discovery will service the route between Texada Island and Powell River, the Island Aurora will enter service next week between Fort McNeill, Alert Bay, and Sointula Island.  Guest: Deborah Marshall, BC Ferries spokesperson.  Chapter 5: WorkSafe BC has released their guidelines for the film industry, so what will the next few months look like for them? Guest: Prem Gill, Creative BC CEO.  Chapter 6:  Staying healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Anyone with a compromised immune system is at an increased risk when it comes to COVID-19, but research shows Canadians are consuming more alcohol, cannabis, and junk food since the pandemic began.  Guest: Dr. Sandy Willis-Stewart from the School of Health and Exercise Sciences at UBC Okanagan. 

Taylor Horsting was born in Vernon. He attended UBC Okanagan where he graduated from the Management program. Kelowna has been his home since 2008.We talk about Taylor's amazing travel adventures; November Project Kelowna; the real estate mortgage business; Volunteering in the Okanagan; Youth Get it Community Council, Codeanagan, and much more! If you enjoyed this episode, an iTunes review would be SO appreciated! It's super easy to do right within the Podcast app.Taylor nominated Blake Harper and Jaeger D A Johnson to come on the I Love Kelowna Podcast. Thank you so much David Scarlatescu for nominating Taylor!The I Love Kelowna Podcast has been downloaded thousands of times. It has a growing audience of people who are keenly interested in Kelowna and the Okanagan. To find out about ways to make a lasting impression on this growing audience, please send me a message.Follow me on Social Media:I Love Kelowna Podcast on FacebookInstagramLinkedinLuke Menkes Kelowna RealtorMy Personal Facebook PageIn this episode, we discuss #novemberproject, #mortgages, #banking, #volunteering, #depression, #publicawareness, #bipolar, #Codenagan, #AfricaSafari.#exploreKelowna, #KelownaNow, #YLW, #YVRtoYLW, #YEGtoYLW, #ExploreYLW, #YYCtoYLW, #Relocation, #KelownaViews, #handpickedkelowna, #kelownalife, #kelownaliving, #exploreBC, #Kelowna, #Okanagan, #podcast, #RealEstateSupport the show (https://paypal.me/lukemenkes)

Alex, a Ph.D. student from The Netherlands, came onto the show to talk about viruses (including her research on HIV), the human immune system, and autophagy - as always we got onto other topics such as climate change, and cell communication within the body. Alex has a background in microbiology, and completed her undergrad at UBC Okanagan! We were able to ask some questions about the coronavirus (COVID-19) - so watch or listen for answers! Questions? Hit us up on Facebook. Want to make money participating in research, or need to find participants for your study? Check out RSearch. Looking to buy us a coffee? You can donate via Anchor or PayPal! Have your own podcast? Put it up on Tune On! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/get-learnt/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/get-learnt/support

Welcome back to the podcast! Today’s guest is Dr. Nick Jensen. Dr Nick grew up in the small town of Osoyoos B.C and completed his undergraduate degree in Biology at Okanagan University College, now known as UBC Okanagan. He went on to attend Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, graduating in 2007 as a licensed Doctor of Naturopathic medicine. Following graduation his desire to deepen his understanding of other healing modalities took him to South East Asia and India with his now wife and business partner Dr. Sonya Jensen. They Opened Divine Elements in 2009 and over the years have had the opportunity to mentor under some industry leading experts in Hormone health and Detoxification. In this episode, you will learn:  · Water fasting tips · Partial fasting 500 calories; vegan meals with no protein ; vegan soup with broccoli · Benefits of above ground veggies vs. below ground veggies · Walter longo fasting mimicking diet · Difference between men and woman fasting · How to lead into a longer fast · Doseage adjustments with medication with fasting · Heart palpitations; What causes them? · Should you cut your thyroid meds when fasting · Tips to make it easier to fast. · Top causes of heavy metal toxicity ; · Creating a health journal for yourself · How does metal fillings impact your health · Choosing the right dentist to remove the mercury fillings Enjoy!   Check out their website HERE: https://divineelements.ca/   Check out the FASTING RESET SUMMIT HERE: https://fastingresetsummit.com/   Check out these things I LOVE:   https://chantelrayway.com/vitaminc/   https://chantelrayway.com/wine/   https://chantelrayway.com/freerecipe/   https://chantelrayway.com/energybits   Get the audiobook & e-book bundle of Chantel's 2nd edition to Waist Away The Chantel Ray Way at a REDUCED price HERE!   Connect with us on Social Media YouTube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCteFjiVaY6n0SOAixcyZbWA Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheChantelRayWay     Things we love: https://chantelrayway.com/things-i-love-2/  Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheChantelRayWay   This podcast is a SIMPRONTO MEDIA production.   ***As always, this podcast is not designed to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any condition and is for information purposes only. Please consult with your healthcare professional before making any changes to your current lifestyle.***

Our special edition podcast for UN International Mountain Day 2019 (December 11th) brings you a panel of experts discussing the impacts of climate change on mountain ecosystems and communities. Canadian Mountain Network trainee and Mount Royal University journalism student Blaise Kemna recorded this engaging event held on November 4, 2019 at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, AB. The discussion features the perspectives of mountain researchers and guides who have contributed to The Alpine Club of Canada's annual State of the Mountains Report: Will Gadd - Named Mountain Hero by UN Environment; ACMG mountain guide; renowned mountain athlete Jim Gudjonson - Director of the Sustainability Office, Thompson Rivers University; ACMG/IFMGA mountain guide; and Vice-President for Facilities, Alpine Club of Canada David Hik - Professor of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University Lael Parrott - Professor of Earth, Environmental, Geographic Sciences and Biology, UBC Okanagan; Vice-President for Access & Environment, Alpine Club of Canada Dan Shugar - Associate Professor of Geosciences; and Director, Environmental Science Program, University of Calgary

This year’s “Ten with Ken” Holiday Special starts with part 1: Midwinter Magic!   In last year’s higher ed holiday videos, campus marketers were clearly anxious about doing a good job, such as at the Bryan School of Business & Economics at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Upper Iowa University, Chambers College of Business & Economics at West Virginia University, and Newcastle & Stafford College Group. Some campus leaders invite lots of input, such as at the Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism at the University of Southern California. But president Ryan of the University of Virginia took matters into his own hands, in the best-in-class “presidential message” video. As always, hundreds of videos were just animated greeting cards, but some stood out from UBC Okanagan, Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles, and the Mellon College of Science at Carnegie Mellon University. The best-in-class “miniature campus” video came from New York’s Barnard College.  We saw tree-trimming or tree-lighting ceremonies at Sweet Briar College, Mount Saint Vincent University, King’s University College, and DePaul University. Meadow Brook Hall at Oakland University was decked with all the trimmings, while Elon University released an hour-long “yule log” video (without a fireplace). Many campuses are beautiful in winter, and snow sports featured in videos from Bishop’s University, McGill University, Western Carolina University, and Trent University. At the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management staged ice sculpting. But in the southern hemisphere, the holidays fall at the height of summer – so Santa visits the University of Western Australia wearing shorts and sandals! One new trend in last year’s videos was giant snowglobes on campuses, including Grand Valley State University in Michigan the University of Leicester in England, and the University of La Verne. Although it started two years back, the use of robots in holiday videos really accelerated last year. Some good examples came from the University of South Florida, the UCLA Robotics & Mechanisms Lab, Germany’s Forschungszentrum Informatic research centre, and perhaps even the Western University Archives. Eschewing tradition, the Chancellor of Purdue University Indianapolis was sent on a scavenger hunt, while at Oklahoma State University, president Burns Hargis and his wife took on whitewater rafting. Chancellor Susan Koch of the University of Illinois Springfield became a cartoon and went snowboarding with the provost, while president Feridun Hamdullahpur of the University of Waterloo was turned into claymation in the best-in-class “animated president” video. Animated presidents were just a new twist on the longstanding tradition of amusing videos from animation students, and last year we saw good examples from Sheridan College, Centennial College, and Emily Carr University of Art & Design. The best-in-class “animated greeting” video came from Scotland’s University of Stirling. This episode contains clips from about 60 of the 500+ higher ed holiday videos that Ken collected last year. You can find our full collection of 2018 videos on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLodJ8ParJmYXZ7unDyH9cDK-lwTwGul7B And we’ve started collecting 2019 higher ed holiday videos at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLodJ8ParJmYXaztYot1vitgTZ5AHfAfJk If you want to add one, please use this special link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLodJ8ParJmYXaztYot1vitgTZ5AHfAfJk&jct=Tm_lbyblL2ee4fhdD9En0aFVEu-NVg Ten with Ken will be back in a couple of days with part 2 of our Holiday Special, “Season’s Eatings” - featuring gingerbread, baking, smores, campus feasts and more.  To be sure you don’t miss it, be sure to subscribe at http://eduvation.ca/subscribe/ Meanwhile, you can watch last year’s Holiday Countdown at https://youtu.be/g1KhnHCqMqw

This year’s “Ten with Ken” Holiday Special starts with part 1: Midwinter Magic!   In last year’s higher ed holiday videos, campus marketers were clearly anxious about doing a good job, such as at the Bryan School of Business & Economics at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Upper Iowa University, Chambers College of Business & Economics at West Virginia University, and Newcastle & Stafford College Group. Some campus leaders invite lots of input, such as at the Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism at the University of Southern California. But president Ryan of the University of Virginia took matters into his own hands, in the best-in-class “presidential message” video. As always, hundreds of videos were just animated greeting cards, but some stood out from UBC Okanagan, Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles, and the Mellon College of Science at Carnegie Mellon University. The best-in-class “miniature campus” video came from New York’s Barnard College.  We saw tree-trimming or tree-lighting ceremonies at Sweet Briar College, Mount Saint Vincent University, King’s University College, and DePaul University. Meadow Brook Hall at Oakland University was decked with all the trimmings, while Elon University released an hour-long “yule log” video (without a fireplace). Many campuses are beautiful in winter, and snow sports featured in videos from Bishop’s University, McGill University, Western Carolina University, and Trent University. At the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management staged ice sculpting. But in the southern hemisphere, the holidays fall at the height of summer – so Santa visits the University of Western Australia wearing shorts and sandals! One new trend in last year’s videos was giant snowglobes on campuses, including Grand Valley State University in Michigan the University of Leicester in England, and the University of La Verne. Although it started two years back, the use of robots in holiday videos really accelerated last year. Some good examples came from the University of South Florida, the UCLA Robotics & Mechanisms Lab, Germany’s Forschungszentrum Informatic research centre, and perhaps even the Western University Archives. Eschewing tradition, the Chancellor of Purdue University Indianapolis was sent on a scavenger hunt, while at Oklahoma State University, president Burns Hargis and his wife took on whitewater rafting. Chancellor Susan Koch of the University of Illinois Springfield became a cartoon and went snowboarding with the provost, while president Feridun Hamdullahpur of the University of Waterloo was turned into claymation in the best-in-class “animated president” video. Animated presidents were just a new twist on the longstanding tradition of amusing videos from animation students, and last year we saw good examples from Sheridan College, Centennial College, and Emily Carr University of Art & Design. The best-in-class “animated greeting” video came from Scotland’s University of Stirling.   This episode contains clips from about 60 of the 500+ higher ed holiday videos that Ken collected last year. You can find our full collection of 2018 videos on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLodJ8ParJmYXZ7unDyH9cDK-lwTwGul7B And we’ve started collecting 2019 higher ed holiday videos at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLodJ8ParJmYXaztYot1vitgTZ5AHfAfJk If you want to add one, please use this special link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLodJ8ParJmYXaztYot1vitgTZ5AHfAfJk&jct=Tm_lbyblL2ee4fhdD9En0aFVEu-NVg   Ten with Ken will be back in a couple of days with part 2 of our Holiday Special, “Season’s Eatings” - featuring gingerbread, baking, smores, campus feasts and more.  To be sure you don’t miss it, be sure to subscribe at http://eduvation.ca/subscribe/ Meanwhile, you can watch last year’s Holiday Countdown at https://youtu.be/g1KhnHCqMqw

SpokenWeb is a monthly podcast produced by the SpokenWeb team as part of distributing the audio collected from (and created using) Canadian Literary archival recordings found at universities across Canada. To find out more about Spokenweb visit: spokenweb.ca . If you love us, let us know! Rate us and leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or say hi on our social media @SpokenWebCanada.Episode Producers:SpokenWeb UBC Okanagan AMP Lab Team with audio production by Nour Sallam and Craig Carpenter. Keep up to date with their current projects and events at amplab.ok.ubc.ca.Resources:Tallman, Warren. "[Warren Tallman reading Walt Whitman's 'Crossing Brooklyn Ferry']." N.d. Home recording. Reel-to-reel tape. SpokenWeb at UBC Okanagan, SoundBox Collection, Warren Tallman fonds, 2012.002.005.

BC's Health Minister announcing new regulations today that will prohibit the sale of flavors appealing to youth. Adrian Dix says only adult vaping stores will be allowed to sell additional flavors apart from tobacco, and changes to packaging will also come into effect.   Guest: Marvin Krank Professor, Department of Psychology, UBC Okanagan

Andrew was born and raised in the Okanagan. Graduating from Okanagan College and UBC Okanagan in 2008 with a BBA, Andrew started Green Solutions Inc. in 2006, being the first green certified home builder in Kelowna. Andrew joined a family real estate development firm in 2008 and has gained diverse experience in construction, sales and marketing, land development, municipal planning and policy work over the past 9 years. Andrew recently chaired the Okanagan Chapter of Urban Development Institute and has been the TEDxKelowna Licensee for the past 5 years. https://www.oypcollective.com/portfolio_page/real-estate-development-andrew-gaucher/Andrew spends all of his available time with his family enjoying the outdoors, or reading on a diverse array of subjects spanning physics to business to personal development. Andrew and his family travel the world at every opportunity (2018,Okanagan Young Professionals,https://www.oypcollective.com/portfolio_page/real-estate-development-andrew-gaucher/)

In this episode, Lance and Dr. Nicholas Jensen talk about taking the naturopathic journey in healing and strengthening the body, mind and soul. Dr Nick grew up in the small town of Osoyoos B.C and completed his undergraduate degree in Biology at Okanagan University College, now known as UBC Okanagan. He went on to attend Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, graduating in 2007 as a licensed Doctor of Naturopathic medicine. Following graduation, his desire to deepen his understanding of other healing modalities took him to South East Asia and India with his now wife and business partner Dr. Sonya Jensen. They Opened Divine Elements in 2009 and over the years have had the opportunity to mentor under some industry leading experts in hormone health and detoxification. Dr Nick is constantly learning and is extremely passionate about teaching individuals to become the best version of themselves. Being a parent as well as a Doctor, he knows in order to teach it, you have to live it and so both Dr Sonya and Dr Nick follow the philosophy of live it to lead it! Dr. Nicholas tells listeners: “I am starting to learn the power of the “surrender”. It is surrendering into the experience of the realization that I'm connected with something so much bigger.” IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: ● Benefits of fasting ● Basics of Kundalini Yoga● Link between sex energy and our overall health ● The biological and spiritual effects of intimate relationships Connect with Dr. Nicholas Jensen 1. Follow Dr. Nicholas on Linkedin, Instagram, Facebook2. Follow Dr. Nicholas on his website.3. Follow Divine Elements Naturopathic Family Wellness on Facebook. Connect with Lance: ● Subscribe on Messenger to get the latest episodes and tips straight to your inbox! ● Connect with Lance on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. About University of Adversity PodcastLearn how to shift your perspective on adversity by understanding that although adversity may feel like your worst enemy, it is actually your greatest ally. My mission is to connect with unique and inspiring individuals and showcase their journey and what they have gone through in order to become successful in their lives. Tune in three times a week with Lance Essihos for your gold-filled lesson of inspiration, resilience, and bravery. Don’t forget to subscribe!Support the show (https://www.lanceessihos.com/)

Today's Woodford Show begins with the Canadian Home Builders Association Central Interior President Kelly Ried and CHBA BC past President Matt McCurrach to discuss concerns with the provincial government's Step code for housing. Then NL News Director Shane Woodford is joined by Jamie Wassink with BC Emergency Health Services and Gayle Voyer with Canadian Blood Services to talk about the importance of giving blood. Then the show goes into the toilet to discuss what can and can't flush with Metro Vancouver's Larina Lopez and two mascots 'Pee' and 'Poo' to raise awareness. We finish the show discussing how soil additives may be doing more harm than good with UBC Okanagan researcher Miranda Hart.

On today's Woodford Show we begin discussing the NEB Trans Mountain pipeline decision with environmental chemist Blair King. Then NL News Director Shane Woodford is joined by UBC Okanagan soil scientist Andrew Midwood to discuss the discovery that lakes are carbon sinks. It is also federal by-election date in Burnaby or do or die day for NDP leader Jagmeet Singh to get a seat in the House of Commons. We finish the show discussing provincial politics and the latest in the legislature spending controversy with Global BC's Richard Zussman.

Danniele sits down with Jennifer Jakobi, PhD, newly appointed WWEST Associate Chair at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. They cover subjects such as how to give students the opportunity to empower themselves, what Jennifer does as the WWEST Associate Chair, why she's so fascinated by her neuromuscular research, and what can help STEM professionals move forward in their careers successfully. Dr. Jennifer Jakobi is an associate professor at the School of Health and Exercise Sciences and Associate Dean of Academic Programs for the Faculty of Health and Social Development at the University of British Columbia's Okanagan Campus. She is also our recently announced WWEST Associate Chair at UBC Okanagan. Relevant Links: Healthy Exercise and Aging Lab (Dr. Jakobi, Dr. Jones, UBC Okanagan) iSTAND on Facebook iSTAND on Instagram iSTAND on Twitter Motor units (Wikipedia) Neuromuscular junction (Wikipedia) The Crown WWEST Associate Chair at UBCO Press Release WWEST Associate Chair at UBCO Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Reich-Shackelford Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.

U-Eight by Mission Group is an exciting new development in the growing university district of Kelowna. Situated immediately south of Kelowna’s UBC Okanagan campus, this impressive condo building, located on freehold land and within walking distance to the campus, will be the 8th offering from Mission Group to this mixed use, master plan community. The floor plans have been designed with students in mind, bringing condo living to the university experience. Floor plans include studios, one, two and three-bedroom offerings with prices starting in the low $200’s. Kelowna has lakes, mountains, golfing, wine, ski hills and a sought-after world class campus that attracts students from across Canada. Strong rental rates and high demand for student housing make this an attractive investment opportunity. Completion expected for school year 2020!

Dr. Paul van Donkelaar has partnered up with his spouse Karen Mason of the Kelowna Women's Shelter to initiate groundbreaking studies into the connections between domestic partner violence and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The research taking place in his UBC Okanagan lab focuses on gaining a better understanding of traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to sports concussion or intimate partner violence. They measure cerebrovascular, neurocognitive, sensorimotor, and blood biomarker variables using a suite of state-of-the-art equipment. For research on intimate partner violence, they are using an integrated knowledge translation approach with the goal of co-designing and creating TBI-informed tools and resources for front line staff working at community organizations supporting survivors. There is a link to an excellent TedX Kelowna talk below in the show notes. If you enjoyed this episode, an iTunes review would be SO appreciated! It's super easy to do right within the Podcast app.SHOW NOTES: IMPORTANT LINKS Learn more about his groundbreaking research into TBI and domestic partner violence in his speech: Ahead of the Game | Dr. Paul van Donkelaar and Karen Mason | TEDxKelownaLearn more about Dr. van Donkelaar's research and read some of his published works on his UBC Okanagan page.Dr. van Donkelaar nominates Deanna Kent to come on the I Love Kelowna Podcast. Thank you so much to Karen Mason for nominating Dr. van Donkelaar! We now have a pair of great interns helping us with the audio. This episode was engineered by Alex Gardener, an outstanding student at Centre for Arts and Technology here in Kelowna. Clinton is also really easy to work with and the quality of his work is excellent. Please email me (Luke) if I can help get you connected with Alex.Follow me on Social Media:I Love Kelowna Podcast on FacebookInstagramLinkediSupport the show (https://paypal.me/lukemenkes)

A new report prepared by the Alpine Club of Canada highlights the impacts of climate change on many aspects of Canada’s mountain landscapes from glaciers to treelines to ski resorts. The 2018 State of the Mountains report says mountains are experiencing unprecedented pressures. We speak with co-editor, Lael Parrott who is with both UBC Okanagan and the Alpine Club of Canada.

A new report prepared by the Alpine Club of Canada highlights the impacts of climate change on many aspects of Canada’s mountain landscapes from glaciers to treelines to ski resorts. The 2018 State of the Mountains report says mountains are experiencing unprecedented pressures. We speak with co-editor, Lael Parrott who is with both UBC Okanagan and the Alpine Club of Canada.

MAtt Noesthedon, a PhD student in chemistry at UBC Okanagan is part of a team that has come up with a new test to measure the potency of cannabis.

Cultural diversity enriches a community in many ways. New business and learning opportunities emerge, organizations broaden the scope of their activities and services, and community members' perspectives become more global. However, cultural inclusivity is not easy to achieve. Often, individuals' experiences in the community, labour market, housing, and educational spaces, as well as their access to healthcare, vary depending on their cultural backgrounds. What steps do we need to take to make Kelowna more inclusive for a growing multicultural community? Recorded March 15, 2018, in Kelowna, BC. Moderator - Sarah Penton - Host, CBC Radio One's Radio West Panelist - Susana Caxaj - Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health & Social Development, UBCO; Lead Investigator, Cross-Cultural Approaches for Health and Wellness (CAHW) lab, UBC Panelist - Katelin Mitchell - Immigrant Services & Operations Manager for KCR - Community Resources Panelist - Mohini Singh - City Councillor; Community Activist Panelist - Carlos Teixeira - Professor of Geography, Irving K. Barber School of Arts & Sciences, UBC Okanagan

Alison Conway, Professor, English and Gender and Women Studies at UBC Okanagan explores how issues of interfaith marriage can be understood and contemporized through the 18th century novel.

Greg ​Garrard, Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies Professor in the Department of English at UBC Okanagan, explores cultural reactions to science through literature and the ramifications of politicizing science.

Karen Hodges, Conservation Biologist and Professor in the Department of Biology at UBC Okanagan, discusses how scientists can adapt their language to better address the impact of their research to a variety of audiences.

Richard Federley, Research Support Specialist with the Office of Research Services at UBC Okanagan, engages in mapping concepts, novel applications of ideas, and the need to critically evaluate the world around us and the theories that describe it.

Zach Walsh, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at UBC Okanagan, addresses an increased interest in medicinal psychoactive drug usage, how this engages our drug literacy, and shifts notions of medicinal and recreational uses of drugs.

Ben Tippett, Sessional Instructor in Physics and Mathematics at UBC Okanagan explores bridging science and fiction and making science accessible for an adult audience to enhance society's science literacy.

 The search engine called i-Search, launched March 29 and was created by students and professors who collaborated with UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College. GUEST: Jon Corbett- Associate Professor: Community, Culture and Global Studies, Director: ICER - Institute for Community Engaged Research, Director: SpICE - Spatial Information for Community Engagement Lab, University of British Columbia Okanaga

Research by Catherine Broom, assistant. Professor in the Faculty of Education at UBC Okanagan, shows that 87 per cent of study respondents who played outside as children expressed a continued love of nature as young adults. Of that group, 84 per cent said taking care of the environment was a priority. GUEST: Catherine Broom- Assistant Prof, Faculty of Education, UBC Okanagan

Ken Steele sums up trends in on-campus housing, as colleges and universities build more and more residences, to appeal to international students, teenagers and their parents. Western University has 5,346 residence rooms, and most built in the past decade feature a semi-private floorplan with private bedroom and study space, shared washrooms, kitchen and living area. Colleges have increasingly been following suit, such as Fanshawe College, whose Merlin House accommodates 428 students in a similar fashion. Amenities arms races in Canada are nothing compared to those at American colleges (consider for example the $7 million leisure pool at Texas Tech University), but nonetheless the bar keeps rising for luxury campus housing. For example, Brescia University College opened a new $30-million residence in 2013 with private rooms, queen-sized beds, individual thermostats, and even room service. The University of Winnipeg opened a residence, McFeetors Hall, that combines 172 student dorms with 25 ground-floor townhomes, half reserved for community housing.  In many provinces, capital debt is discouraged for residence construction, so increasingly institutions are turning to P3s (public-private partnerships) to design, build, and sometimes manage student residences (such as Thompson Rivers University, Ryerson University, and SAIT Polytechnic). If institutions don't build enough residence space, private developers will often swoop in to build apartment towers adjacent to campus. In some cases, student residences are an integral part of the academic mission of the institution, such as the Velocity Residence at the University of Waterloo, a "dormcubator" designed to incubate new student-run businesses (and already a success, considering graduates like Ted Livingston, founder of Kik Interactive, who donated $1 million to establish a seed money fund for future student ventures).  In a previous episode, we argued that there has been a rise in part-time and commuter students on campus, even when they are "invisible" (see the episode at https://youtu.be/e5GGxa2Z7EY ). Some institutions are dedicating dorm space to commuter students, such as Mansfield University in Pennsylvania. UBC Okanagan has created "Collegia" to provide space to study, cook, socialize, or nap for commuter students on campus. Ryerson University has opened a new commuter hostel, with 9 rooms available to students for $35 per night, on a limited basis. Some residences are considerably less luxurious. In Terrace BC, Northwest Community College opened a 49-bed campus residence using the same ATCO trailers used in remote work camps - not only a cost-effective solution, but an experiential learning opportunity for trades students. Although the campus housing market seems to be bifurcating, students often demonstrate a resentment of inequality -- most recently, Ryerson University students gained international media attention over the #TissueIssue (fancier 2-ply tissue in the administration washrooms on campus). Space in residence may become even tighter yet, judging by the example of modular dorms in Hong Kong, based on the capsule hotels of Japan. Students pay HK$3,500 per month for a 6x4x3' slot, barely larger than a morgue drawer. Most places in Canada will never see such cramped quarters, but if they do appear, it will likely be in downtown Vancouver, where international students may arrive with less and less expectation of personal space.Finally, just #ICYMI, we share clips from a catchy new music video from the University of Victoria, "Discover Your Edge."  (Oh, and a couple of bloopers follow the closing credits, for those of you who stick it out!)

(Artist Talk - Nov 27, 2014) Originally from Quebec City, Samuel Roy-Bois currently resides in Vancouver. He acquired his BFA from Université Laval in Quebec (1996) and a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from Concordia University in Montréal (2001). His work has been presented at SFU Gallery, Carleton University Gallery, Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, Contemporary Art Gallery, Musée National des Beaux Arts du Québec and Point éphémère in Paris. He is Assistant Professor in Creative Studies at UBC Okanagan. Roy-Bois is interested in the complex dynamics defining our relationship to the built environment. His multifarious practice draws on the everyday, the history of architecture, and the critique of different modes of cultural production. For more information on his practice, go to samuelroybois.com. This talk is part of the Visual Art Forums, presented by the Faculty of Visual Art + Material Practice and the Faculty of Graduate Studies at Emily Carr University of Art + Design.

SUMMARY Given that most Canadian workers clock between 35 and 40 hours weekly, it's vital that time be invested in healthy workplaces that care as much about mental, emotional, and social well-being as they do about physical health. In Part 1 of this podcast, join workplace mental health expert Dr. Merv Gilbert, along with WorkSafeBC's Trudi Rondou and Lisa Smith. Together they explore Canada's groundbreaking National Standard for Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace, the subsequent Case Studies Research Project, regulatory approaches driving the much-needed move toward more supportive workplaces, and the vital roles played by progressive leaders, cultures of compassion, peer support, and training. In Part 2, discover how this “new normal” is rapidly playing out in CLAC (a Canadian labour union) and AECOM (an international infrastructure consulting firm). TAKEAWAYS This podcast will help you understand: The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace (voluntary guidelines, tools, and resources) and the subsequent Case Studies Research Report (key findings, promising practices, and supports and barriers to implementation) ‘Promising practices' identified during research project (commitment across the organization, leadership support and involvement, supportive structures and resources, communication and awareness building across all levels and departments, a business case that includes baseline indicators, measurement approaches that track the rate and impact of change, sustained and updated implementation efforts) ‘New normal' vs. ‘old normal' workplaces Awareness of evolving ‘language' (mentally healthy workplaces vs. psychologically healthy workplaces vs. psychologically safe workplaces) Psychosocial issues and solutions Province of BC (WorkSafeBC) perspective and priorities on workplace mental health Importance of psychological injury prevention through policy and education Overview of WorkSafeBC's mental health-related policies and programs Overview of WorkSafeBC's commitment to getting members back to work after being injured Requirements of businesses to help prevent psychological injuries How employers' and workers' responses to mental health challenges have changed over the years What progressive unions and businesses are doing to help build mentally healthy workplaces Return on investment for businesses that do workplace health and safety right Types of stigma existing in the workplace Prevention of bullying and harassment Impacts of COVID-19 on workplace mental health How leadership, culture, peer support, and/or training impact workplace health and safety   SPONSORS WorkSafeBC is a provincial agency in British Columbia, Canada that promotes safe and healthy workplaces for more than 2.3 million workers. Serving more than 230,000 employers, WorkSafeBC's services include education, prevention, compensation and support for injured workers, and no-fault insurance to protect employers and workers. WorkSafeBC is committed to creating a province free from workplace injury or illness. By partnering with workers and employers, WorkSafe helps British Columbians come home from work safe every day. CLAC is the largest independent, multisector, national union in Canada, representing more 60,000 workers in almost every sector of the economy including construction, education, emergency services, healthcare, retail, service, transportation, manufacturing, and more. CLAC has 14 member centres in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and BC, along with 25 active, independent, affiliated locals. Based on values of respect, dignity, and fairness, CLAC is committed to building better lives, better workplaces, and better communities.  AECOM is a global engineering firm whose infrastructure services for public- and private-sector clients include transportation, water, energy, and environmental projects. Employing approximately 87,000 people, AECOM was ranked #1 in Engineering News-Record's ‘2020 Top 200 Environmental Firms,' and named one of Fortune magazine's ‘World's Most Admired Companies' for the sixth consecutive year. Transforming the ways it works through technology and digital platforms, AECOM leads the engineering world in environmental, social, and governance solutions… leading to the Ethisphere Institute naming it one of ‘2021 World's Most Ethical Companies.' THANK YOU for supporting the HEADS UP! Community Mental Health Summit and the HEADS UP! Community Mental Health Podcast.   RESOURCES National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace  and the resulting Case Studies Research Report Addressing the mental health effects of COVID-19 in the workplace: A guide for workers  Managing the mental health effects of COVID-19 in the workplace: A guide for employers Guarding Minds@Work Antidepressant Skills@Work Psychological Health and Safety: An Action Guide for Employers Mental Health Commission of Canada Canada's Workplace Mental Health Canadian Mental Health Association Government of Canada/Mental health in the workplace Wellness Works Canada Wellness Together Canada: Mental Health and Substance Use Support provides free online resources, tools, apps, and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals. Workplace Mental Health Playbook for Business Leaders (CAMH) Workplace Mental Health Research Deloitte research reveals significant return on investment for workplace mental health programs    GUESTS  Dr. Merv Gilbert Dr. Merv Gilbert is a Director at Vancouver Psych Safety Consulting Inc., a consulting group providing services that enable organizations to foster psychologically healthy employees and workplace climates. He has worked as a psychologist for over thirty years in clinical and leadership roles in regional, provincial, and international settings. He is an Adjunct Professor with the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University, and a member of the Steering Committee of American Psychological Association's Psychologically Healthy Workplace Network. Dr. Gilbert is a primary participant in the development, evaluation, and dissemination of resources for workplace mental health, including Guarding Minds@Work, Antidepressant Skills@Work, and Psychological Health and Safety: An Action Guide for Employers. He has published in national and international professional journals, and has presented at a diverse array of forums on the importance of workplace psychological health issues for individuals and organizations. He has consulted with governmental, private, and public-sector organizations. Phone: 604-809-4173 Email: merv@psychsafety.org Website: https://psychhealthandsafety.org LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/merv-gilbert-064a125/ Trudi Rondou Trudi Rondou is a senior manager in Prevention Programs & Performance at WorkSafeBC. She's spent the last decade working with numerous industry and labour groups, to reduce workplace injuries and improve return-to-work outcomes. Over the last three years, Trudi's focus has expanded to include workplace mental health. She currently serves as Chair of the BC First Responders Mental Health Committee. Trudi speaks at conferences and gatherings around the province on worker safety for new and young employees, health and safety management systems, and promoting positive mental health in the workplace. She was the MC for the very successful BC First Responder Mental Health Conference in 2019, and the lead facilitator of the BC First Responders “Building Resilient Workplaces” workshops in 2019. Email: trudi.rondou@worksafebc.com Website: www.worksafebc.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorkSafeBC/ Twitter: twitter.com/worksafebc Linkedin: Trudi Rondou Lisa Smith Lisa Smith joined WorkSafeBC in 2008 as a Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant and transitioned to a Client Services Manager role in 2010. Presently, she is the Senior Manager of Special Care Services. She has worked with both workers and employers, which has helped expand her perspective on the importance of early intervention for people faced with a mental health challenge. Lisa recognizes the critical supports Special Care Services provides to some of the most seriously injured workers and their families. Her core belief is that we are best equipped to help workers and employers when we are mindful of achieving a healthy life/work balance for the people WorkSafeBC has the honour of serving. Lisa is also committed to a vision of respect and safety in the workplace, and is optimistic that BC's workers and employers are willing to embrace change that will positively influence acceptance of diverse cultures, abilities, and beliefs. Prior to her career at WorkSafeBC, Lisa worked for Social Services in Ontario for 11 years and spent 10 years overseas, teaching English across 5 countries. In 2006, she returned to Canada and began managing a program that transitioned at-risk people with behavioural issues from institutional to residential settings. Lisa's passion for improving outcomes for people with mental health conditions, led to her current undertaking of working on a Master of Psychology Counselling. Email: lisa.smith@worksafebc.com Website: worksafebc.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorkSafeBC/ Twitter: twitter.com/worksafebc   HOST Jo de Vries is a community education and engagement specialist with 30 years of experience helping local governments in British Columbia connect with their citizens about important sustainability issues. In 2006, she established the Fresh Outlook Foundation (FOF) to “inspire community conversations for sustainable change.” FOF's highly acclaimed events include Building SustainABLE Communities conferences, Reel Change SustainAbility Film Fest, Eco-Blast Kids' Camps, CommUnity Innovation Lab, Breakfast of Champions, and Women 4 SustainAbility. FOF's newest ventures are the HEADS UP! Community Mental Health Summit and HEADS UP! Community Mental Health Podcast. Website: Fresh Outlook Foundation Phone: 250-300-8797   PLAY IT FORWARD The move toward optimal workplace mental health becomes possible as more people learn about the challenges, successes, and opportunities. To that end, please share this podcast with anyone who has an interest or stake in the future of workplace mental health and wellness. FOLLOW US For more information about the Fresh Outlook Foundation (FOF) and our programs and events, visit our website, sign up for our newsletter, and like us on Facebook and Twitter.   HELP US As a charity, FOF relies on support from grants, sponsors, and donors to continue its valuable work. If you benefited from the podcast, please help fund future episodes by making a one-time or monthly donation. Merv Gilbert, Trudi Rondou, Lisa Smith Interview Transcript You can download a pdf of the transcript here. The entire transcript is also found below: INTRO  0:10 Welcome to the HEADS UP! Community Mental Health Podcast. Join our host Jo de Vries with the Fresh Outlook Foundation, as she combines science with storytelling to explore a variety of mental health issues with people from all walks of life. Stay tuned! JO  0:32 Hey, Jo here! Thanks for joining me and my five guests over two episodes as we explore the rapidly changing world of workplace mental health, and how progressive social scientists, governments, unions, and businesses are remodeling the foundations upon which our work lives are built. A big shout out here to WorkSafe BC, CLAC, and AECOM for co-sponsoring these vitally important conversations. In this first episode, you'll meet workplace mental health expert Merv Gilbert, along with Trudy Rondou and Lisa Smith from WorkSafe BC. We'll delve into their trailblazing research and regulation approaches that are raising the bar for workplace mental health and Canada and well beyond. In part two, you'll get to know Quentin Steen with the CLAC labor union and Trevor Amendt from AECOM, an international engineering firm. They'll share their groundbreaking visions and on-the-ground methods for building organizational cultures of compassion. While preparing for this episode, I came across groundbreaking work led by the Mental Health Commission of Canada in partnership with the Canadian Standards Association and the Bureau de Normalization du Quebec. In 2013, they launched the world's first National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. The standard was developed with input from more than 30 technical committee members representing Canadian corporations, unions, regulators, economists, service providers, and many others. The standard includes voluntary guidelines, tools, and resources that redefine what it means to be a responsible employer. In the move toward building more psychologically healthy, safe, and sustainable work environments, the standard helps organizations envision and implement more progressive frameworks, policies, and practices. Those, in turn, foster more connected, protected, and compassionate workplace cultures. The standard has been embraced by organizations of all sizes, and from all sectors and industries throughout Canada, and served as a template for an upcoming international standard. To help determine the standard's reach and effectiveness, the commission led a three-year follow up Case Study Research Project. It was conducted by Simon Fraser University's Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction between 2014 and 2017. Researchers studied more than 40 Canadian employers from a variety of sectors, industries, and geographies who'd implemented the standard. The resulting report outlines key findings, promising practices, and supports and barriers to implementation. As quoted in the report, these diverse trailblazers signed on to benchmark a "new normal." To help us understand project findings and what could be the new normal, I welcome Merv Gilbert, who was co-lead of the Case Study Research Project. Immersed in the work of psychology for more than 40 years, Murphy has spent the better part of the last decade focusing on the psychology of work, or more specifically, what makes a workplace work for all employees. Hi, Merv, great to have you here. MERV  4:19 Hi Jo... it's great to be here. Thanks very much for including me. JO  4:22 My pleasure. So let's start by you telling us why you're so passionate about workplace psychological health and safety, and why it's so important to all of us. MERV  4:34 At a kind of broad level, a lot of the focus on mental health, and I'll say more about language in a minute, has focused on very important issues like serious and persistent mental illness, childhood areas, where I worked a lot and so on. But there was relatively little attention to the fact that, frankly, the majority of folks with a diagnosed or diagnosable mental illness or mental health issues were working or had jobs at any rate, they may be off. And there was little focus on the workplace the extent to which it was actually supportive of their psychological health, mental health, or was detrimental to their health. Sort of broad level, it was an untapped area. At a more personal level, I worked as a director of a psychology department a large hospital for a number of years, and during that time two of my colleagues started to have some performance issues, which is usually the first indicator within a workplace setting. I started to struggle a bit, there were issues, there were some conflicts and so on. We did as an organization some things to try and provide some support. At any rate, both individuals quite independently went off work on, to use a euphemism at the time, stress-related disability, and to my knowledge never worked again. Now, maybe we failed them. Maybe I failed them at some level. But it was a terrible loss. It was needless suffering, and we lost some very skilled and talented individuals. So, it really became apparent we needed to do better. JO  6:03 Most of us have to work or have had to work. So, an obvious question would be is work good for our mental health? Or can it be? MERV  6:13 Absolutely. To paraphrase Sigmund Freud, which every psychologist is obliged to do, the two most important things in life are love and work. Good work provides us with all sorts of support, provides us with a sense of meaning and purpose. It gives us skills and talents, and opportunities for new learning that we wouldn't have otherwise. It gives us an opportunity to interact with others, obviously a little bit different during current circumstances. And it gives us a reason to get up in the morning, get dressed and go someplace else to interact with others outside your immediate family. So, absolutely, good work is good for us in many ways. JO  6:51 Before we talk about the new normal for workplace psychological health, I'm hoping you can help us understand the "old normal," and the state of some workplaces today where little consideration is given to psychological health and safety.  MERV 7:07 Prior to the national standard, for example, and some of the work that we and others around the world have done, workplace health and safety was primarily, almost exclusively, focused on physical health and safety. Appropriately so. Health and safety in various industries and sectors was a key factor, and really wasn't addressed and still needs a lot of work. Workers' compensation boards obviously focus on those kinds of issues, back pain and those kinds of things, but there was very little attention given to psychological injuries, if you will, in that sense. The only exception historically, of a work-related psychological injury was Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Since we do not know definitively the cause of the vast majority of mental illnesses, we can't say workplaces are responsible, so, therefore, is not an area where there was attention. So, there wasn't much being done. I think things have improved a great deal in Canada and elsewhere. Part is a function of the standard and other efforts and so on, but there's still some sectors in some areas, that this is still a relatively new concept or remains not addressed. JO  7:42 Based on the work you've done over the last decade, and the work that you did as part of the research project, how would you define a "new normal?" New normal pre-COVID, or new normal current circumstances, little bit different. As I mentioned a moment ago, up until current circumstances, I think there was a lot of improvement, there was organizations who were identifying psychological health and safety officers, that were changing the name of occupational health and safety committees and groups and policies to include psychological [health]. So, that certainly was a good thing. Now, if we want to turn to COVID, and more importantly perhaps for the workplace, the response to COVID and, obviously, the impact it's had on individuals, workplaces... it's very different. People can't connect in the same way as they could before. So that support may not be there. There's a lack of clarity of boundaries and job roles and communication has been challenged in some ways. Certainly work life balance is more elusive than ever with folks working at home. That said, I will... and I say this with caution... for some folks, select groups... particularly more traditional white-collar folks and so on... the capacity, the ability to work from home or work in a more flexible way, may improve their psychological health. It's a mixed bag, but I remain concerned about it and I think we should all be concerned about it at a larger level, is that many of these things that are happening are accentuating the divide between groups. JO  9:49 The research, project findings and voluntary guidelines for successful implementation were based on applied research and then implementation science. For those of us who aren't academics, can you explain what those two things are? What is applied research? MERV  10:09 I think there's a lot of academics that wouldn't necessarily know what it is or necessarily agree with it. Applied research means basically taking up to the dirty world, where you don't have a group of volunteer undergraduate students as your subject pool, for your particular research enterprise, but you're actually dealing with real people who are the ultimate audience or the ultimate target for your work. But the real world, such as it is, is messy... you don't have the same degree of controls. So, applied research is an attempt to work collaboratively with whatever sector, whatever group you want to work with out in the real world. Implementation science is... the policy government, the literature in any field... frankly, littered with publications and research reports, and journals, and so on. Many of the findings from that, however positive, never actually get implemented, or if they are implemented, they're implemented poorly. So, implementation science is one of the factors that lead to successful pickup and sustainability of an effective program, or effective initiative. JO  11:17 So, how could we use implementation science to optimize the benefits of the research that you conducted? MERV  11:26 Great question. I'm being sincere when I say this, I think we can learn from advertising and marketing. Ask people... ask whoever your audience is... if they know about a particular program. What is the best way to make it available to them? What makes it more likely that they will make use of these particular findings, or whatever the initiative or program or policy is. Ask them. Second thing, and this certainly is reflected in the standards well, is to measure two things. Sorry. First one is to know why, and explain very clearly why you're doing what you're doing. If you're doing, for example, a work-from-home kind of initiative, and so on, explain why you're doing it... just don't keep people guessing. And secondly, measure the results... measure a sort of baseline finding... this is where this tradition is now, and then at a appropriate period of time, measure whether you've made a difference. There's uptake and application of whatever your findings are. JO  12:19 So, your project findings and the voluntary guidelines for implementation provide a recipe for success that lists key ingredients needed to create a psychologically healthy and safe workplace. But before we start cooking, though, I'd like to confirm the differences between the following descriptors. And here's where Merv, we talked about language. So, what is the difference between: first, a mentally healthy workplace; second, a psychologically healthy workplace; and third, a psychologically safe workplace? MERV 12:58 Let me start by suggesting a distinction between mental health and psychological health... [these] words are viewed somewhat synonymously. When we collectively, we the media, talks about mental health, we're actually not really talking about mental health. In most cases, we're talking about mental illness and that sense of already kind of changed the conversation. And when we're having those conversations, as I said at the outset, when we talk about mental illness... and frankly, when we see the latest atrocity, wherever it may be... the question comes up, there may be mental health involved. Well, that's not terribly helpful. That just adds to stigma. So, we talk about psychological health. We're talking I think, in a much broader way. We're talking about a continuum, not a categorical approach with a bunch of diagnoses. We're talking about a continuum from struggling and suffering, through to thriving, doing well, positive psychological health. So, it's a different kind of model that is not dependent on traditional mental illness labeling, in that sense. So, I think that makes a very big difference. When we talk about psychologically healthy... and against mentally healthy workplace, if one uses that language... I think, in general terms, is a place where people want to go to work, they believe in what they're doing, they believe they're making a difference. They feel that they have some voice in what is going on in their department or organization, or whatever work they're doing, volunteer or paid. And they feel like the organization, that leadership, and the organization itself, has good or bad to some degree, they will support them in various ways. And if they're struggling with their issues, they will do their best to address them. I think we all kind of know what a psychologically healthy workplace is, whether we work there or whether we're clients or customers. You can almost feel it in the air... you can almost smell it. Are people smiling? Are people saying hello, not because it's corporate policy to greet every customer, but because they actually want to say hello? So, I think it's a vibe in many ways. The "safe" part is interesting, let's say psychologically safe... I think two comments. Now, first of all, as I said at the outset, to some extent this notion with psychological health and safety is, in my opinion, an intentional and, I think, intelligent link to occupational health and safety, which is pretty well established and legislated in policy and practice in some ways. So, it's kind of latching on to that and expanding the concept. Psychological safety, however, is also used in some context to describe an environmental work environment, where people feel free to express their opinions and ideas, without fear of what they perceive as unfair criticism. I get that, but it's, I think, a narrower and somewhat different definition. JO  15:43 So, would it be safe to say then that a psychologically safe workplace would have the needed plans, policies, practices, and programs in place that would then enable and encourage a psychologically healthy workplace?  MERV 15:59 Yes, very definitely.  JO  16:00 So, let's go back to the key ingredients of the research project findings, or what the final report calls "promising practices." Those are intended to help nourish a psychologically healthy and safe workplace. Can you explain a few of them to us? MERV  16:18 Sure, and I should probably clarify, the national standard is, well, it's that... a standard set of guidelines, identifying what the key components of psychologically healthy workplace would look like. What we did when we did the case study project is identify those kind of practices that would lead to more successful and sustainable implementation. And there were a number of those that came up. Certainly one of them that was key, it comes as no surprise, was leadership... meaningful leadership throughout your organization... a large organization, a CEO, or whomever... who kind of gets it, and again, cliche, but who talks the talk. It's not something that it's a checkbox they're checking off... they actually believe in this. And I think that's key. And that that also has to, again, in particularly in large organizations, that has to filter down to every level of management. If a mid-level manager or supervisor... oh, here's another directive from on top, but he or she doesn't get it... it's not gonna be effective. So, it needs to actually cut across all different levels of your organization. The other thing that I think is really important is, in the same vein, having a what's called a business case. A clear rationale with data as to why you are making these changes... why having a psychologically healthy and safe workplace matters to you. And, initially, the argument among... and there may still be in some settings... particularly private-sector settings... maybe affects the bottom line. And indeed, there's all sorts of calculators of lost productivity and increased costs associated with psychological disabilities. And it may be financial or return on investment as well. But certainly for a lot of sectors, a lot of areas... particularly public sector, like hospitals... return on investment isn't really the point. It's not having staff available, the loss of talent, those kind of things. So, being clear as to why a particular organization wants to do these things, and having some data to back it up. JO  18:25 I think, too, getting back to the leadership comment is that you really need to have supportive structures and resources to keep this up over the long term, which is where you're going to see the actual change in culture. Can you tell us a little bit more about that? MERV  18:41 As I mentioned, some organizations, for example, WorkSafe BC, has in the last few years appointed a fairly senior level of management specifically around psychological health and safety. So, it's sort of embedding some of these responsibilities and roles and titles within the organization. And also supporting leaders... no one's immune from this, in many ways, leaders themselves... there's some research suggesting mid-level managers, like get this, quite frankly, can experience as much if not more stress than those that report to them. There needs to be some personal investment in it. And I guess to speak to that, certainly some of the organizations we worked with, when we talked to senior leaders... for many of them, the reason they saw this as a good thing and wanted to introduce it within their organization, was because they'd had some personal experience... family experience... they'd had some experience with someone who was struggling with psychological issues, psychological health issues. So, it takes on a personal note. We see that in all sorts of efforts to address illnesses, be it cancer, heart disease, and so on, people coming from their own experience.  JO  19:48 As a communication specialist I resonate with another promising practice, which is communication and awareness-building across all levels and departments. And I think what this means, and please correct me if I'm wrong, is that the messaging not only has to be pertinent to each of the audiences in the organization, but it has to be concise and timely, and particularly, ongoing. You can't just do a one-off campaign and expect people to change their attitudes and their behaviors. MERV  20:21 Absolute agreement at all levels, and it has to be very flexible. Again, I can bring it back to the pandemic response in some ways, we're seeing changing messages and so on. I understand the frustration... confusion with that, but it allows that kind of flexibility. And it also requires humility, not promising something that you can't deliver, in some ways, and being very realistic about what's actually helpful and practical. While many organizations in our study and elsewhere started with a mental health awareness campaign, that's good... awareness is a good thing and does make some strides towards reducing stigma... but you can't stop there, it's got to be a lot more than just awareness. JO  21:04 In most of the interviews that I've been doing for the podcast, we've discussed culture, and whether that be a family culture of mental wellness, or a workplace culture or a community culture. So, I was interested in another promising practice, which is the need to build a corporate-wide culture that respects, reflects, and protects psychological health and safety. So, what does that kind of culture look like? And what's it like to work in a culture like that? MERV  21:41 Great point, and it's certainly the case. and let's not lose sight... this does not mean you put aside your organizational objectives, and so on. These are actually to enhance or fulfill the very purpose of that organization. It's in the practical best interest to any department or group or organization where there's a work environment where people feel valued, and believe in what they're doing, they're willing to work together to achieve success... organizational success, personal success... and again, they feel that the organization, or the department, or their leaders have their back who can support them if there are challenges of some sort. And if I can give an example of that from the past, I find this a very touching and heartwarming example in a lot of ways. Years ago, I was involved in an initiative to recognize and acknowledge psychologically healthy workplaces. And one of the applicants for the British Columbia award was an extended care unit in the interior, actually, I'll name them because they deserve to be recognized... Brookhaven Extended Care. This was some years ago. So, they did a survey and filled out some questionnaires for us. And we did a site visit and what they had done, amongst other things, this is... as you can imagine... a place where mostly the elderly, but there were some younger brain-injured folks, and so on. So, it's a care facility that says their problem, like many healthcare settings, was staffing. It wasn't about return on investment. It was about having sufficient staff to provide the care they needed to do. And that staffing problem was difficult on days for their school holidays. They relied on retired or part time folks, and so on, who were often single parents, or two working parents. So, when school holidays happened, or school breaks or professional days and kids were off work, it was a real challenge if you got a call saying, "Hey, would you mind coming in and doing relief today?" So, what Brookhaven did, and this idea came from their staff… I think from a recreational therapist… to set up a program whereby staff, if they had a child between, say, eight and 12 years old, could bring their child to work. No, it was not a daycare. And that says I'm going to be clear about that. That's important issue, but this is different. That child was then paired up with a resident within the facility and spent the day with him or her hanging out. And I think that's particularly wonderful because... let's say Johnny, who's a precocious nine-year-old, got to spend today with Mr. Smith, and Mr. Smith was a Korean War veteran, and maybe he lost a leg. So,  he entertained Johnny with all sorts of stories about his past experiences. Johnny looked across and saw his mom doing her job, which a lot of kids never see. Mom looked across and saw Johnny being entertained and chatting away. They all had lunch together. It was, forgive the cliche, a win, win, win. Beautiful thing about that, first of all... they identified a problem with staffing. There was now a lineup of staff wanting to work in those days at this particular facility, because it's a cool program. What was the cost? Absolutely nothing. Whereas the leadership, and this is important... there was some initial pushback from, I suspect, the lawyers within this healthcare setting. What if Johnny trips and breaks his nose? And the executive director told lawyers to go away, said that's fine, I'm with it, and so on. The program was a wonderful success and got expanded to, I believe, some other facilities. And this was some years ago, and I didn't hear much about it for a while. And I hope it still continues. But what I did hear a few years ago is that some of the kids that have been involved in program had aged out, they're now teenagers, maybe even young adults. And on their own initiative, they continued the program, kind of a volunteer involvement program within the setting. And I love that story because it identified a specific problem, so it was a measurable problem, actually, staffing. Identified a solution that came from the people who worked there, didn't cost anything, and actually addressed the problem. So, that to me is a concrete example of a collaborative, psychologically healthy workplace practice. JO  25:42 So Merv, if you can put on a CEO hat for a few minutes, did the research findings suggest specific measures of cost versus benefits of a mentally healthy workplace? And if not, what does your experience tell you? MERV  25:58 Great question. And this is a challenge in some ways, because we don't have great quantitative financial indicators. We can look at disability costs, we can look at retraining costs, we can look at recruitment costs, as well, we can look at insurance, WorkSafe costs as well. But those are what are referred to as trailing indicators. That's after the cow has left the barn, if you will, in some ways. Leading indicators are things you measure at the outset. And those are a little softer and harder to track, and may rely more on qualitative kind of information. So, you can pick up through surveys, through initial interviews, those kinds of things. I think there's a lot of work that needs to be done in this area to quantify or qualify, if you will, the kind of measures that you want to look at, and the cliche is, if we don't measure something, you can't know if we have an impact. And that's certainly true here, we have work to do in this area.  JO  26:57 Along that same vein, barriers to successful implementation of the standard listed in your report include inconsistent or limited access to psychological health data. Tell us more about that.  MERV  27:13 It's exactly that kind of thing. It's not having the data that indicates, and certainly for both ethical and practical reasons, I'm not a fan of, for example, doing a survey or a measure of depression amongst all employees. I think ethically, or practically, that can be intrusive and, ethically, what you find you need to do something with it. So, it's going to involve asking employees and new recruits and retirees about their experiences and trying to capture what's important to them, what would be some of the indicators for them. Being realistic about it, if I can go back a little bit to talking about the business case for psychologically healthy workplace, and so on, the expectation amongst many was that companies or organizations would be doing this because it would save them money. And there's lots of consultancies and programs that are trying to sell on those grounds. We found that yeah, that mattered to some of them, some more than others. But in many cases, in fact, the majority of cases, the main reason they were adopting the standard and cared about psychologically workplaces was for a practical reason... i.e., people are struggling, if people are not at work, if people are fighting with one another… it's not good for the organization as a whole. So, practically, it makes sense to look after people. And also ethically it's just the right thing to do, in many ways. JO  28:31 Given the research and your experience, what do you think are the most difficult changes in attitude for leaders to make that needed transition toward a more psychologically healthy and safe workplace? MERV  28:46 Firstly, I think a recognition... and this is happening slowly but is happening... that this is not a fad. This is not flavor of the month. This is not fluffy. This is not a nice thing to do off the side of your desk... like let's raise funds for a particular charity on March 17, whatever the case may be. This is something that is important and will continue to be important. So, it needs to be embedded within your organization. Another thing is really critical, I think, is a recognition that this is a joint issue. This is a collaborative issue between workers and organizations... with employers and employees, I think there's a joint responsibility there. To be a little bit simplistic about it, a construction organization has some obligation to provide safety equipment, to provide a hardhat and so on… the employees, the worker… has responsibility to wear them. So, when you work jointly as opposed to finger pointing, where if it's saying "this is all about toxic workplaces and bad managers, not my responsibility at all," that's not going to help. And, if on the other hand, the perception perhaps unspoken, or the belief unspoken, is "this is all a bunch of wimps, why can't people just suck it up," that's not going to help. You need to work together. JO  29:54 So, were there any research findings that surprised you? MERV  29:58 One of them was one I just mentioned, quite frankly, in fact, that people did this for practical and ethical reasons, not financial reasons. Come back to the comment about leadership. One of the pioneers in Canada some years ago was Michael Wilson, our former finance minister, whose son died by suicide some years ago. This made it personal for him and for his family. And so, he worked hard to make it a corporate issue. What was surprising and encouraging was the fact that people got it and came up with innovative solutions. The thing that was a little bit worrisome, quite frankly... and this isn't intended to be a criticism, but it was a reflection of the level of knowledge and resource at the time... was that there was a tendency, even in well-intentioned organizations, to pick programs or initiatives, if you will, off the shelf. So, not considering whether or not it was a good fit, or whether address their particular needs, whether it was a good fit for the organization. And I do think there's a real need to customize it and adapt it back to your earlier point, in order to make things implemented effectively and sustainable. JO  31:02 That brings me to a question about customization. And you just mentioned that every business is unique... it has a special mandate and special plans and policies and programs and objectives. So, I suppose that while the standard and your research findings give people a general idea of how to make this work, they really to have to be so focused on their individual needs. MERV  31:32 It's a good point... we're all special in our own special way, but we also share a lot in common. So, it's finding a balance. I've heard from some sectors and some organizations where, "we're unique"... "you don't understand"... or "this doesn't apply to us, because we're very unique and different." Well, you're not that different. So there's gonna be some things that are universal, some things are going to be specific, balancing those two and asking people, gathering data... there's more and more tools out there that will do this... about what's the fixed snapshot...  what the organization looks like. And using that information to guide, be it policy or practice, or training, or new positions. JO  32:12 And that brings us to another one of your promising practices, which is measuring approaches that track the rate and impact of change. MERV  32:23 Yes, indeed. And I talked about the importance of measurement... an ongoing kind of measurement. These days, and under the current circumstances, people are being bombarded with surveys and being asked questions. I think there's absolutely merit in that, but one needs to be succinct. You need to be discreet and respectful of people's time and so on, or you're not going to get good information. Back to effective communication, in a sense, but tracking it on an ongoing basis, and then being flexible enough to change your approach if you're getting meaningful data or data suggests you need to change things. JO  32:57 While preparing for this, we talked about how increased stress fosters psychosocial issues that require psychosocial solutions. First, what is a psychosocial issue, and a related psychosocial solution that you can share with us? MERV  33:17 "Psychosocial" basically just reflects psychological... individual and societal/social kinds of factors... be they income equality, be they poverty, be they individual coping. It's a psychological aspect of things, as opposed to the, if you will, physical aspect of things. And what I mean by that, in this context, is I do have some concern. COVID, the pandemic, is indeed a physical risk, if you will, however, the response... our human response, or social response... is a psychological one, a psychosocial response in many ways. And frankly, it therefore requires, I would suggest, psychosocial, psychological kind of responses that we've talked about. The organization can do policies to provide appropriate and meaningful support… communication could actually support people's psychological health. JO  34:07 You conducted your research between 2014 and 2017. Are you aware of any emerging research or any groundbreaking trends or best practices that support this move toward more mentally safe and healthy workplaces? MERV  34:25 I think it's an evolving situation. One thing which I think was pretty cool, and I've seen this in several different sectors, are what's referred to as communities of practice. And that is something coming... I think I was first aware of it in the healthcare context... but it's basically organizations or groups with common features, getting together and learning from one another. There was initiative actually, that came out of I believe, UBC Okanagan in collaboration, I think it was with Waterloo, for a kind of communities of practice for universities and colleges, where they took an opportunity to meet to discuss with one another what they were doing, what was working, what wasn't working. So, learning from one another... I think that's very promising. That's a great thing. And frankly, I think the same thing can happen on a more micro level, within an organization or a group, just creating a space... creating opportunity... for the key people to talk about these issues, and identify possible solutions moving forward. I'll throw a bit of a side comment in this one. And this one was a bit surprising to me too, certainly, when it comes to programs and things like employee assistance programs, and policies and benefits and so on. Those are typically the purview of large organizations, and smaller mom and pop businesses may not have that opportunity. That part may be true in terms of having the money and size to initiative things, but I think smaller organizations actually can be a lot more nimble. The leader or manager, whomever, within a department or a small construction crew, or whatever the case may be, is more likely to be in touch... more immediate contact... with the people he or she is working with, and therefore can come up with things on the fly... perhaps a lot more readily than large organizations that go through a kind of bureaucratic process. That creativity is certainly encouraging. JO  36:17 Have you conducted any other workplace research that you'd like to share? MERV  36:21 Let me add one more comment to what we're saying earlier. The other thing, which I think is promising is, we're now seeing organized labor and contracts pay more attention to psychological safety in the workplace, and a great example is here in British Columbia, where the nurses union in a prior contract, essentially... and the employer agreed with this... mandated adoption of the national standard across of all health care. So, I think that was another positive thing. Back to your question. So, on new things we're doing... certainly my colleague, Dan Bilsker, and I have been working with support from WorkSafe, frankly, with BC Emergency Health Services for about the last three years. And very much what I was saying a moment ago, recognizing that paramedics and dispatchers have unique work circumstances, and it's a unique organization. So, we've started by learning from them what resiliency looked like, what some of the stresses of the job were, what some effective coping methods were. And on the basis of that have created a workbook, a resilient coping workbook, which we're currently in process of disseminating throughout the organization.  JO  37:26 I'm wondering if you can tell us a story about an organization that moved from being perhaps not so focused on psychological health and safety, to embracing a psychological contract that really made a huge difference in the lives of all the people who work there? MERV  37:45 The beautiful example of an organization that took evidence-informed steps... there is a financial institution, I guess I can name them... VanCity (Vancouver City Savings Credit Union). Being a financial institution, they experience robberies. Now, as I said earlier, historically, WorkSafe did not cover psychological injuries, with the exception of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Well, frankly, being robbed or held up within a finance institution can be very traumatic event. So, it actually was data of days lost following a robbery. What VanCity did some years ago, again, I hope the program is still in place was, hey, okay, let's talk to people. What can we do here to actually sort of address this issue? We can't necessarily stop robberies, per se, but what can we do to address the impact psychological impact on staff who've gone through such a troubling, and potentially traumatic event? And what they came up with were a couple of things. First of all, they used and bolstered their employee assistance program, and so on, made that available. If there was a robbery in a particular branch, I believe the CEO, the head of the organization, communicated very quickly with that particular branch and said, "How are you guys doing? Are you okay?" So, leadership, they connected, in some sense said, "Something happened here that wasn't good... is troubling." And then they said, "What can we do? How can we help?" And they put funds and resources aside, said, "Okay, you guys just been through a bad event or troubling event. How can we help? Here's some funds… you want a pizza party, you want tickets to a baseball game, you tell us something that would help, if you will, recover or move forward from a difficult event." Because they had some data on lost time, they could actually measure the impact. And they also were able... circumstantially, back to your question about applied research, frankly...  they couldn't, because it's the real world that said, roll it out to all the organizations. So, those branches that adopt the program, great, but there were also some new branches, new people came on. So, they actually had a control group, and they can compare those branches that didn't have this kind of a program and those that did, and indeed, there was a notable difference between the two, and lost time went down and continued over time. And they were then able to spread the program. So, that one, I don't say they're in bad shape, but they started by identifying a problem, and asked people and then did something about it that was measurable. JO  40:12 I'd like to end our time together with you sharing about what I think is one of the most important pillars in a workplace mental health program… and that's trust. How can leaders best build trust with their employees around psychological health and safety? And how can employees come to trust their leaders? MERV  40:33 Part of my response is, how long has it tried to measure growth, tried to understand what the level of trust is. I did hear about an organization awhile ago, and the CEO talked about a "trust meter," in a sense, and not something that's necessarily quantified, but recognizing that trust is a very fragile entity. Trust is based on a perception, it's a belief, the belief that you as an employer, in this context, are concerned about my interest, and you're going to sincerely try to do what you're saying you're going to do. And that belief is going to be based on past behavior. It's a perception kind of thing, not something you put your finger on. But yes, I absolutely agree is critical to all interactions, not just with respect to psychologically healthy workplaces, but just the effectiveness of an organization, of a group effort. There's a concept that has been floating around for a number of years, which I think is useful...  people talk about "psychological contract" is context between employer and employee. The psychological contract is the implicit mutual reciprocal understanding between the two parties... between the employer and the employee... as to what they expect of one another. As an employee, I expect to be treated fairly. I expect to be compensated fairly. I expect opportunities to learn new things and do new things. I expect my opinion will be listened to. I'm willing to put that extra effort in if need be. As an employer, I expect my employee to do his or her job, to ask questions, to respect leadership, and follow the appropriate practices, and to put your shoulder to the wheel a little bit more, if needed, if there's some kind of crisis or emergency. And that contract is fragile, and very fluid, and perhaps more fluid during a COVID response. But if that contract... unspoken... it's not a job description, it's not a labor contract, per se, it's unspoken... if that's broken on either party, results can be very, very deleterious to either side. JO  42:32 How can that psychological or can that psychological contract be moved from being implicit to explicit?  MERV 42:42 Crazy as it may be, talk about  it... try to take the covert and make it a little bit overt.  Asking supervisors, managers, leaders... asking and meeting in a very authentic way with the people they work with. And asking them how it's going. Are your expectations being met? Are there things that we need to do? So, again, it's going to be communication, it's going to be communication that's succinct, not overwhelming people, that's going to be humble, for lack of better word, not promising things that you can't deliver. And it's gonna be fair, saying that I don't have that information, but here's what I'm going to do to get it. Or, we don't have that service right now, that program right now, that initiative right now, but here's what we might do, or here's what might be available instead. And, particularly, helpful... what is going to be helpful, not just empty language. I do feel concerned about the language especially... it started with the pandemic, was, "We're all in this together." Well, no, we're not. We're all in this, yes, but we're not necessarily together. Many of us… and many organizations and sectors and individuals… have their own circumstances that are very different from others. A little bit of a Kumbaya, we're all in this together, can sound false. If you're a single mom who's lost your job in the hospitality sector, and has a special needs kid at home, your circumstances are very different. So, humility is called for. JO  44:02 So, in closing, Merv, I'd like you to imagine that you're standing in front of a group of 100 CEOs from a variety of sectors and industries. And that you can say one thing to them about workplace mental health, and that they would not only take you seriously, but they would move forward, really being open-minded about potential change within their organizations. What would that one thing be? MERV  44:33 I think it would be, in essence, this attention to the psychological health and psychological well being of organizations under the people who work in them is not a fad... is not going away. It's very real. Work has changed in many ways. Whereas in earlier times, many jobs involved primarily physical labor. Increasingly, jobs these days require psychological labor. We used to talk about "putting your back into it" to describe the physical efforts that were required for doing a lot of work. And perhaps not surprisingly, the majority of workplace injuries and disability were musculoskeletal back injuries. Nowadays, we expect people to "put their head into it," they put their psychological skills and learning and knowledge into a thing. And correspondingly, when that's not supported, you're gonna see psychological injuries. So, this is very real, it's good for the worker, it's good for the workplace. And it is absolutely essential to the resilience and success of the organization. JO  45:36 Marv, I understand that you're involved in some research around trust. Can you tell us what that's all about? MERV  45:43 Years ago, actually, before the creation of standard, actually, we created a tool called Guarding Minds at Work, which has had a lot of uptake... it measures, psychosocial risks in the workplace. It's a survey-based tool and we have noticed... and along with another colleague, Dr. Graham Lowe... that trust, as you pointed out, is really a key ingredient. But we need to try and measure it to understand it. So, what we did is use our existing data around this Guarding Minds at Work tool and looked at what kind of factors, what kind of considerations, were related to a basic question, "Do employers and employees trust one another?" And they come across things that we've talked about, like communication, and honesty, and sincerity, and practicality, and culture. And we've created a tool called the Trust Building Survey, that we're currently in the process of informing a variety of groups in Canada and elsewhere about this tool to trial it… to use it. Frankly, as a snapshot, it's not long, it's about a 20-item, survey, but take a snapshot of where an organization is at at various points. And I think because things are so fluid with the world in general, and the pandemic response, in particular, it is very worthwhile for organizations and departments to take that snapshot at various points over time to try and capture an evolving and ever-shifting nature of the situation. JO  47:05 Is that opportunity to be involved in the research still open to organizations? MERV  47:12 Absolutely. Yes, we welcome inquiries from various groups, organizations that want to help us use this tool, apply this tool within your organization. So, we can all learn about trust as it evolves over time. JO  47:25 And how would people connect with you? MERV  47:27 They can connect through my email, my email is Merv... m-e-r-v at p-s-y-c-h-s-a-f-e-t-y dot org.  JO  47:39 Well, that's amazing. I think that trust in the workplace is a huge issue. And maybe a little further on into your research, we can do a whole episode on that. MERV  47:49 Terrific, that would be wonderful. JO  47:51 That's amazing. Merv, thanks so much for kicking off part one of this episode. MERV  47:57 Absolute pleasure. And I really appreciate the you're paying attention this issue and spreading the word, as you will… we've come a long way, but we've got a long way to go. JO  48:05 My pleasure. Thanks again. I'm excited because you're wise and wide ranging insights...  after 40 years of working in this field... I think they set the stage perfectly from my next conversation with Trudy Rondou and Lisa Smith from WorkSafe BC, which is a progressive provincial government agency in British Columbia, Canada. But before we get to that, listeners can visit the Mental Health Commission of Canada's website at m-h-c-c dot c-a to learn more about the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, the subsequent Case Studies Research Project, and a variety of tools to help organizations meet their goals. As mentioned earlier, you can connect with Merv about the research project or other workplace mental health issues at m-e-r-v at p-s-y-c-h-s-a-f-e-t-y dot org. Now to help us get a feel for what's happening with workplace mental health from a provincial perspective, I'm here with WorkSafe BC's Trudy Rondou and Lisa Smith. WorkSafe BC promotes safe and healthy workplaces for about 230,000 employers and more than 2.3 million workers. Its services include education, prevention, compensation and support for injured workers and no-fault insurance to protect both employers and workers. Trudy, let's start with you. First of all, thanks so much for being here. TRUDI  49:54 Thank you... I'm really pleased to be here. This is the topic I'm pretty passionate about, so I'm excited to be involved. JO  49:59 WorkSafe BC's vision is… British Columbians free from workplace injury, disease and death. To that end, there's a strong focus on prevention through policy and education. What does that look like in your world as senior manager of prevention programs? And why are you so motivated to help? TRUDI  50:20 As senior manager now in prevention programs, I actually have a new department called Mental Health and Psychological Safety. And while WorkSafe BC has been dealing with mental health from a claims and compensation point of view for a number of years now, this is sort of the start of the shift to looking at mental health from a preventative perspective. So, we're really looking at what we can be doing with workers and employers to try to prevent those mental health injuries from happening. JO  50:49 And again, speaking to your motivation? TRUDI  50:52 Well, I guess I'm passionate because I do believe in the sense of prevention. I don't think that we have to wait for a mental health injury to occur before we can help treat. I think that early intervention has shown lots of signs of assisting people and mitigating their mental health issues.JO  51:08 So, it sounds like an upstream approach to health care is applicable in your industry as well. TRUDI  51:15 Absolutely. JO  51:17 What does WorkSafe BC require of employers to help prevent psychological injuries? TRUDI  51:24 We want businesses out there to recognize that psychological health is just as important as physical health. And I think that's a real mind shift for employers. Employers in the province have been dealing with the physical health and safety for years, and they're used to that. But recognizing now that psychological health of the workplace is equally as important is a new shift. And I think along with that, having an employer recognize that they can play a proactive role in psychological health... again, going back to that notion that it's not just about treatment. There are proactive upfront things that can be done. And we also want employers to implement policies and programs that support mental health in the workplace. JO  52:03 Building on that theme of proactivity. What are some of the emerging best practices employers are using? TRUDI  52:11 Employers who represent best practices always have leadership champions. So, it starts at the top and they have people who are in senior roles, who really advocate for mental health and normalize mental health as being part of a workplace conversation. We want employers who have policies in place... so, recognizing that any behavior that goes contrary to mental health is not allowed in the workplace... things such as bullying and harassment are not allowed in the workplace. And policies that are going to support proactive and positive mental health. Anti-stigma campaigns have been proven to be really successful, because there is a lot of stigma around mental health. And I think we'll talk a little bit about that later, but some of these campaigns that individual employers have done, again, trying to normalize mental health and make it part of the regular conversation. Training and education are certainly important. And that is training and things such as mental health literacy so people understand how to have the conversation, as well as coping skills so people can understand what they're feeling in times of stress. What are some resources that they can fall on themselves? What are some coping skills that they can have? And what kind of resources and supports are available? Many employers have informed Employee and Family Assistance Programs or ESAP programs, but in a lot of cases, employees aren't always aware of the supports that are offered through those programs. So, those are some of the things that progressive businesses are really doing to help.  JO  53:38 Do you have a specific example of an employer who has done a really good job with this? TRUDI  53:45 Yes, I can certainly think of an employer... it's actually a first responder organization... and they recognize the importance of the mental health of their workers. And if you think of first responders, they're exposed to traumas all the time in their job... they see and hear things that are quite exceptional that regular workplaces, and regular workers, don't see. And so, this employer wanted to implement everything they could, so they had leadership champions step forward. They created a very robust peer support program so that workers had somebody that they could relate to, to talk to. And they even went so far as to start hosting family nights, so they recognize the importance of first responder families. And they hosted these family nights so that they could get the first responders and their families together to talk about what mental health supports were available. JO  54:39 So, what is the return on investment for businesses that are doing this health and safety right? TRUDI  54:46 That's really interesting. There has been some research done recently by Deloitte, looking at the return on investment for mental health programs. So these aren't just health and safety programs. These are specific to mental health and they actually found there was a return on investment of about $1.60 to $2.20. So, for every dollar you were investing in your mental health program, you were getting a return of about $1.60 to $2.20. And you were seeing that return on things like less absenteeism, less workplace claims, and more presenteeism for people who are working. That report really focused on the fact that we should invest in proactive programs that promote positive mental health, in addition to treatment. So again, that report reinforced this messaging around prevention, and promoting positiv