Do Local Good

About the Episode  What if the most powerful tool for fighting social isolation wasn’t a program, a PowerPoint, or a policy — but a meal shared around a kitchen table?  In this episode of Do Local Good, host Yawa Idi sits down with Kathryn Way from Alberta Parenting for the Future Association (APFA) to explore how cultural cooking is breaking down barriers and building belonging in the Tri-region....

How Relational Hospitality Builds Belonging  About the Episode What if community care felt less like an appointment and more like coming home?   In this episode of Do Local Good , host Vasu sits down with Omar, Ibrahim, and Ali from IslamicFamily (IFSSA) to explore how relational hospitality is reshaping support across the Edmonton community. Together, they share how the organization centres relat...

Relentless Outreach: Unlocking an Untapped Youth Workforce    In this episode of Do Local Good podcast, hosts Nate Spasiuk and Josh Smith sit down with Ryan Beard from YOUCAN Youth Services alongside program participants Kiana Brooks and Abdulrahman Mursal for a powerful conversation about resilience, employment, and what it truly means to meet people where they are.  Together, they explore YOUCAN...

You don’t need a massive organization to make a massive difference. In this episode of Do Local Good , hosts Sean Singh and Brett Eigner sit down with Katelyn Petersen (former Chief Experience Officer) and Krista Davis (Director of People Operations) from RunWithIt Synthetics (RWI). RWI is an Edmonton-based tech company that creates accurate, geospatial digital twins of cities—think SimCity , but...

About the Episode  In this episode of United Way’sDo Local Good podcast, hosts Baichi Chaki and Yawa Idi are joined by Emma Potter from Canadian Mental Health Association and Ashley Baxter from WIN House for a vital conversation on gender-based violence and the strength it takes to survive and rebuild.  Together, they explore the layered realities survivors face and the essential role of trauma-in...

About the Episode  In this episode of United Way’s Do Local Good podcast, Youth of the Year Yaël Witvoet takes the mic to share how one strong connection shaped her path and how she’s paying it forward.  From student to mentor, Yaël offers a powerful look into what it takes to support youth: being consistent, building trust, and creating space for young people to show up as themselves. This conver...

In this episode of United Way’s Do Local Good podcast, hosts Natalie Steffl and Rahma Dalmar explore the lasting impact of intergenerational trauma and the pathways to healing with special guest Pamela Spurvey, an Indigenous Wellness Coordinator and facilitator with United Way’s Empower U program. Pamela shares her personal journey of mental health recovery and addiction healing, emphasizing the v...

In this episode of United Way’s Do Local Good podcast, hosts Yawa Idi and Rahma Dalmar explore how art therapy is making a meaningful impact on mental health in the Alberta Capital Region. Joined by special guests Derryl-Lynn Braumberger, MCP-AT, CCC, and Laura Torgrimson, MCP-AT, CCC, art therapists from The Family Centre, the conversation highlights the critical need for accessible mental health...

In this episode of United Way’s Do Local Good podcast, hosts Vasu Aggarwal and Shawn Singh shine a spotlight on the critical role of financial literacy in building resilient communities. They are joined by Ashley Tillenius, an Operations Manager at TD, and a dedicated volunteer with United Way’s Each One, Teach One initiative.  Together, they explore how financial literacy workshops empower indivi...

Welcome to Do Local Good, a podcast created by United Way of the Alberta Capital Region and hosted by the team of volunteers on the GenNEXT Cabinet! We feature stories and people from the Edmonton region to inform, inspire, and invite others to join us in building resilient and thriving communities. Each episode features insights from local experts, community leaders, and non-profits working in ed...