Neighbour Studio

In this episode of Ancestral Voices: We Belong, host Kim Wheatley sits down with media creator, filmmaker, writer, and poet Rebeka Tabobondung, founder and Editor-in-Chief of MUSKRAT Magazine. As one of Canada's leading Indigenous storytellers and cultural voices, Rebeka has dedicated her career to amplifying Indigenous perspectives through journalism, film, poetry, and research. She shares h...

In this episode of Why We Recommend Them, Myles Doak sits down with Juliane Goyette, Financial Advisor with Riverwalk Wealth to discuss the importance of financial planning, building trust with clients, and helping people make informed decisions about their future. Juliane shares her approach to working with individuals and families, the value of personalized financial guidance, and why strong rel...

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours , host Myles Doak sits down with Marie , founder and owner of Kookla Soap Co. , a small business based in Newmarket dedicated to creating handcrafted artisan soaps and body care products. Marie shares the story behind Kookla Soap Co., her passion for natural skincare, and the craftsmanship that goes into every product. Using the traditional cold pro...

In this episode of Why We Recommend Them, Myles Doak sits down with Ariana Laxdal, owner and manager of The George, to talk about hospitality, leadership, and what it means to build a business that becomes a community favourite. Ariana shares her journey in the restaurant industry, the values that guide her approach to customer service, and the importance of creating memorable experiences for ever...

In this powerful episode of Ancestral Voices: We Belong, host Kim Wheatley sits down with Waneek Horn-Miller, a Mohawk woman from Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, Olympian, advocate, and one of Canada's most influential Indigenous voices. Waneek reflects on her remarkable journey from surviving a near-fatal injury during the Oka Crisis to becoming a member and former co-captain of Canada's Ol...

What does it take to build a business that's rooted in trust, relationships, and a genuine commitment to helping people? In this episode of Why We Recommend Them, we sit down with Brian Lavoie to discuss his journey, the experiences that shaped his approach to business, and the values that continue to guide him today. We talk about the importance of building lasting relationships, earning tru...

What does it take to build a real estate brokerage that agents genuinely want to be part of? In this episode of Why We Recommend Them , we sit down with Mike Cartwright, founder of Main Street Realty, to talk about building a community-focused brokerage and creating an environment where agents can grow successful businesses while staying true to their values. We discuss Mike's journey, what m...

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Jacob from York Pride to discuss the organization's mission of fostering inclusion, belonging, and celebration across York Region. As Ontario's fifth-largest Pride festival, York Pride serves a diverse region of more than 1.2 million residents across nine municipalities. The organization works year-round to...

In this episode of Ancestral Voices: We Belong, host Kim Wheatley sits down with acclaimed Oji-Cree singer-songwriter Aysanabee. Known for blending powerful storytelling with atmospheric folk and indie sounds, Aysanabee reflects on his musical journey and the release of his debut album, Watin, which introduced audiences across Canada to his deeply personal songwriting and distinctive voice. The co...

In this episode of Ancestral Voices: We Belong, host Kim Wheatley sits down with James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe, international speaker, digital creator, and author of The Seven Generations and the Seven Grandfather Teachings. Drawing from decades of work with elders and language keepers across North America through the Ojibwe Language Dictionary Project,...

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours , host Myles Doak sits down with Renay Partridge , founder of On the Wagon Mocktails . Founded from Renay’s own journey in long-term sobriety, On the Wagon Mocktails was created with a simple but powerful mission: to make sure people who choose not to drink still feel included in every celebration. Recognizing that alcohol-free options are often ove...

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Michelle Planche to talk about the upcoming Newmarket Craft Beer Festival. The conversation highlights what attendees can expect from the festival, including local craft breweries, community atmosphere, live entertainment, and the growing appreciation for craft beer culture in the region. Michelle shares how the event...

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with acclaimed Canadian pianist Andrea Botticelli. Known for her originality and sensitivity, Andrea performs on a wide range of keyboard instruments, from the fortepiano, clavichord, and harpsichord to the modern piano. Combining artistic expression with historical research, she has performed as both a soloist and chamber...

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours , host Myles Doak sits down with David Silverman and Aleli Gulak to discuss the Richmond Hill Mentoring Plus Strategy . Created as part of Richmond Hill’s Age-Friendly Strategy, this initiative connects retired and near-retired adults aged 55+ with individuals and businesses seeking guidance, mentorship, and support. By drawing on the experience, kn...

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Absane "Abbie" Ibrahim, Founder and Executive Director of the Dare to Rise Foundation, a women-led non-profit based in York Region, Ontario. With over two decades of experience in community leadership, Abbie shares her work supporting single mothers, youth, and families through advocacy, mental health suppor...

In this episode of Ancestral Voices: We Belong, host Kim Wheatley sits down with Jessica McKenzie, the inaugural Miss Indigenous Canada, to reflect on her journey, experiences, and the legacy she built during her reign. Together, they explore the purpose behind the Miss Indigenous Canada role, one that differs from traditional pageants by focusing on community, culture, and connection rather than...

In this episode of Ancestral Voices: We Belong, host Kim Wheatley sits down with Indigenous entrepreneur Alexandria Bipatna, founder of The Wholesome Conscious. Alexandria, who introduces herself by her traditional name Starwoman, shares her journey as an Anishinaabe (Ojibway) woman from Shawanaga First Nation, along with her Guyanese heritage. She reflects on identity, family, and the influence o...

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours , host Myles Doak sits down with Myles Dininio , a 40-year-old from Mount Albert, Ontario who is taking on an extraordinary challenge, running approximately 8,000 km across Canada . His journey, Myles Across Canada , began in Newfoundland and is making its way toward Vancouver , all in support of mental health awareness and fundraising for the CAMH...

Kim is back with another episode of Ancestral Voices ! This time, she’s joined by her good friend, Justin “Jahkota” Holness. Tune in as these two catch up, share stories, and dive deep into meaningful conversations — all while keeping it light, fun, and full of laughter. You won’t want to miss this heartfelt exchange on Ancestral Voices .

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Mike Smith, co-founder of the Newmarket/Aurora chapter of 100 Men Who Give a Damn!. Launched in 2016, the group brings men together on a quarterly basis to support local charities through a simple but powerful model, giving back with minimal time commitment and maximum impact. Since its inception, the organization has...

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours , host Myles Doak sits down with Umair Malik , owner of Equation Hub , a math tutoring centre dedicated to helping students build confidence and succeed. Umair shares his approach to teaching math in a way that’s clear, engaging, and tailored to each student’s needs. The conversation explores the importance of strong foundational skills, overcoming...

In this episode of Ancestral Voices: We Belong, host Kim Wheatley sits down with Jesse Wente, a storyteller, broadcaster, and longtime advocate for Indigenous rights. Born and raised in Toronto, Jesse shares his journey as a writer and speaker, and reflects on his identity as a member of the Serpent River First Nation and Bear Clan. With family roots in Chicago and Genaabaajing Anishinaabek, his p...

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours , host Myles Doak sits down with Dr. Sabrina Crossley from Align Health Centre to talk about family-focused chiropractic care. As a Webster Certified practitioner, Dr. Crossley specializes in supporting patients through every stage of life, from newborns and growing children to expectant mothers and adults. The conversation explores the importance o...

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours , host Myles Doak sits down with Brittany Steptoe Wright , Founder & Principal of BSW Design and COO of Steptoe Carpentry . With over 15 years in the construction industry and nearly a decade in design, Brittany shares her approach to creating thoughtfully crafted, timeless spaces rooted in quality, functionality, and lasting value. Her work foc...

In this episode of Ancestral Voices: We Belong, host Kim Wheatley sits down with acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Julian Taylor to explore a remarkable musical journey spanning more than 25 years. From his early days co-founding the alt-rock band Staggered Crossing, to the genre-blending success of the Julian Taylor Band, and now his celebrated work as a solo artist, Taylor reflects on the exp...