Neighbour Studio

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...

Host Myles Doak sits down with Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York–Simcoe and Ontario’s President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Francophone Affairs. In this special episode marking International Women’s Day, Mulroney discusses the importance of women’s empowerment, leadership, and creating opportunities for women in politics, business, and communities across Ontario. The conversation explores...

Host Myles Doak sits down with Marco Di Girolamo, Canadian rugby standout, community builder, and Aurora Sports Hall of Fame inductee, for a powerful conversation about sport, perseverance, and legacy. From discovering rugby in high school to representing Canada on the world stage, Marco shares the journey that took him from local fields to international competition, including the Rugby World Cup,...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Jennifer Walker, a Certified Financial Planner with more than three decades of experience in the financial and insurance industry. Jennifer shares her journey from beginning her career with Canada Life in 1990 to building long-standing client relationships at Carruthers Financial, where she specializes in employee ben...

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with John Taylor, Mayor of Newmarket, to reflect on the year that was and look ahead to what’s next for the community. The conversation explores key moments and milestones from 2025, including local growth, community initiatives, infrastructure projects, and the evolving priorities shaping Newmarket’s future. Mayor Taylor...

In this episode, Rachel Hawtin of NewRoads Automotive Group is joined by  Barb Wallace, the Executive Director of Girls Inc. of York Region, to talk about the upcoming Girls Night Out (GNO) signature event. Taking place March 5 at the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, this special evening celebrates International Women’s Day while bringing the community together for connection, inspiration, and imp...

In this powerful episode of Ancestral Voices We Belong, host Kim Wheatley welcomes Jessa Sky, a Métis Cree singer, keynote speaker, and advocate whose story is rooted in resilience, healing, and cultural reconnection. Originally from Treaty 8 territory and born in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Jessa shares her journey of growing up between communities while searching for identity and belonging. Opening...

In this episode of Ancestral Voices We Belong, host Kim Wheatley sits down with Isaac Crosby, also known as Brother Nature, a Black/Ojibwa agricultural expert dedicated to preserving and sharing Indigenous food knowledge. Rooted in his heritage as a member of the Ojibwas of Anderdon — a pre-confederation community of mixed Black and Indigenous peoples near Windsor, Ontario — Isaac’s journey began...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours , host Myles Doak is joined by Phiona Durrant and Michael Corniffe,  two dynamic leaders making a powerful impact in our community. Phiona Durrant, President and Founder of the Aurora Black Community Association, is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and advocate whose work is grounded in equity, purpose, and people-first leadership. She shares...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours , host Myles Doak is joined by Kumssa Hassan, Managing Partner at Billyard Insurance Group Aurora (BIG Aurora). With over a decade of experience in the insurance industry, Kumssa has built a reputation as a trusted advisor dedicated to providing peace of mind for both individuals and businesses. As a leader, she is passionate about building a strong...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours , host Myles Doak is joined by Robert Lyons, a creative liaison who prefers to think of himself as a perpetual wanderer, creative mastermind, and lifelong learner. Robert thrives at the intersection of curiosity, strategy, and execution. From exploring the natural world to navigating the marketing landscape, he’s driven by a fascination with complex...