Happiness of the Commons

Alanna and Katie chat about safetyism, some of the potential reasons "kids don't go outside anymore", and explore the benefits of fostering independence so kids can forge their own community spaces. Music produced by Mason Jay

Have you ever thought about where you go for support first? Is it your real life network, or is it your online network? In this episode we explore the ways support is needed in the postpartum period, the way our culture tells us to seek expertise over community care, and chat about the concept of "paying for the village". Mentions @thisfamilytree @kidswhoexplore Music by Mason Jay

Katie and Alanna explore the concept of "The Sidewalk Ballet" in neighbourhoods like Brooklyn, NY and the very famous neighbourhood of their dreams: Sesame Street. They explore building community in the suburbs, and share some creators to check out to learn more on this topic. 99% Invisible U is for Urbanism episode Music Produced by Mason Jay

In this episode, Alanna and Katie discuss how housing structures impact community. Using Katie’s recent move and Calgary’s contentious rezoning public hearing, they explore how car dependency adds major hidden costs, limits access to schools, groceries, coffee shops, and transit, and contributes to loneliness. They connect housing to transit investment, safety for kids, and walkable design, and hi...

What do community leaders look like? What do they do for us? How can we support them? Katie and Alanna explore these questions and more in this episode. They discuss community builders, activists, artists, and disability advocates as a few examples, and discuss practical ways we can all support leaders who make things happen. Music Produced by Mason Jay

Alanna and Katie explore some ways you can build community and be in networks of support. They explore the difference between friendships and community, and touch on a few systemic factors that either foster or limit community connection. Instagram @HappyCommonsPod Tragedy of the commons https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragedy_of_the_commons Micro interactions https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-...

Who are we and what do we care about? In this intro, we give a peek into these questions and explore some of the topics we want to dive into deeper in future episodes. Parenting, the inconvenience of community, connecting with neighbours, and some of the health benefits of community are addressed. Instagram @HappyCommonsPod --- The Power of Connection | Alzheimer Society of Ontario https://share.g...

Katie McLean, Registered Provisional Psychologist and Alanna deBoer, Urban development nerd explore the intersections between psychology, well-being, and our built environments, and how community touches every aspect of our lives. Instagram: @HappyCommonsPod