Kelly and Company

From the mind of Kelly & Co. host Kelly MacDonald comes another deep dive into the evolution of the show. When Kelly and Company first aired, its focus was on the low vision and blind community—but as AMI’s mission expanded, so did the show’s approach.   Enter Back to Basics , a groundbreaking series that took listeners through the realities of disability, from diagnosis to daily life, employment,...

On today’s show, we welcome Bryden Veinot, the senior program coordinator at Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS), and he is here to tell us how they’re breaking the barriers to sound and music for musicians with disabilities. It’s been 25 years since the debut of the reality competition show, Survivor. TV Guy Greg David is here with the Survivor’s humble beginnings, how it inspired a TV genre,...

On today’s show, we have Arts and Culture contributor Amy Amantea with us to talk about fun St. Patrick’s Day Activities. Rebecca Dingwell is a fan of tabletop role playing gaming, and she’s trying out playing game master. She shares her experience running Brindlewood Bay.   #accessibility #assistivetech #podcast #disability #blind #accessibilemedia #KellyCo Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! Ab...

On today’s show, Financial Planner Ryan Chin sheds light on Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) in Canada, and clarifies those myths that can lead to confusion. Play by Play announcer Dan Shulman stops in to chat Blue Jays baseball and share his thoughts on the upcoming NCAA March Madness Tournament.     #accessibility #assistivetech #podcast #disability #blind #accessibilemedia #KellyCo F...

A trending article exposes some people’s opinions on Disney movies, Nisreen tells us all about it. Kaileigh Coles is the filmmaker behind Through My Eyes, a docuseries released on Telus Optik TV – and this one hits close to home. We find out about the doc and her journey creating it.  #accessibility #assistivetech #podcast #disability #blind #accessibilemedia #KellyCo Find Kelly & Company on Y...

The emotional ups and downs that come with prepping, going through, and recovering from eye surgery can feel endless. And no matter how ready or hopeful you may feel going into it, medical intervention comes with all kinds of challenges that we just aren’t ready for. Psychotherapist Fern Lulham is here to share how she’s been feeling lately, going through her own journey with a corneal transplant...

Every great show starts with a spark of inspiration—and for Kelly and Company , that spark came from the incredible contributors who shaped its identity. In this heartfelt reflection, Kelly MacDonald takes us back to the early days of the show, when finding the right voices meant more than just asking—it meant encouraging, mentoring, and sometimes even convincing people of their own potential.   O...

Change and Challenge: A Journey through Migration, is an solo tactile art exhibit by award-winning low vision artist Lynda Todd. We learn about the unique exhibit in Bellville, Ontario. Plus, Michael Feir shares his thoughts on Stranded, a new comedy on Audible which strands two best friends on an island and lets the sparks fly. Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company...

Audio Description for live events is ever evolving. Let’s talk about how AD is offered, and differences in preferences, with Art Consultant Christine Malec. Unlocking stories one voice at a time, Steven Vine brings us his newly released podcast, The Disability Diaries Plus, Protein gets all the hype, but fibre is the real MVP. Chef Mary Mammoliti has five high-fibre pantry staples you need to stoc...

What is the truth about heart disease? Registered Nurse Travis Nightingale is back to give us the answer, as February is Heart Health Month in Canada. He highlights misconceptions, explains differing symptoms between men and women, and tells us the biggest contributors to watch out for. Matisse Hamel-Nelis has details on Durham College’s IDEA-centric new program, integrating Inclusion, Diversity,...

Sabrina Carpenter’s album, Short And Sweet, is still making waves since its release in August 2024. Music Critic Amanda Shekarchi has been playing the album on repeat since it came out, and is here with her short and sweet review. Plus, if you live with a disability, the great outdoors can seem out of reach due to accessibility concerns. Marco Pasqua tells us about a project he’s working on with B...

Animals have been thrust into the political spotlight for one reason or another. Vet Danielle Jongkind examines animals in politics. Fat is essential for good health, but how should we best consume it? Nutritionist Julia Karantjas unpacks the question, including how much fat we should include in our daily food intake; the answer may surprise you. Plus, with all the new technology and gadgets for b...

Plan smart, travel safe – that is the tagline of Atyzi, a diverse online travel agency founded by Aaron Busch – and he has some exciting news to share. TV Guy Greg David recaps the recent Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary special. Are we still watching late night sketch comedy, and is Gen Z keeping up with live TV? Let’s chat about it.  #accessibility #assistivetech #podcast #disability #blind...

On today’s show, Lawrence Gunther is joining us live from the Ottawa Outdoor and Boat Show where he’s staffing the Blue Fish Canada exhibit and providing seminars on the Outdoor Stage. Feeling lazy in the kitchen? You don’t need to spend hours cooking to make something delicious. Who wants to shovel snow when there is a whole range of winter arts and cultural experiences to be had? Amy Amantea is...

Keeping your home clean every day can feel like a struggle but breaking it down into small manageable jobs can help you feel less stressed about doing it. Home management techniques can be used to help you complete the tasks more easily and with more confidence. Independent Living Skills Specialist Leanne Baarda is here to tell us how. There are gaps in the system, but Emma Brown, Founder of Whimb...

If you live with a disability, chances are you might have been on the lookout for assistive technology and it can be hard to know what is out there, where to get it, and what you even need. Steve Barclay is the owner of Canadian Assistive Technology and he shares his treasure trove of independence devices. #accessibility #assistivetech #podcast #disability #blind #accessibilemedia #KellyCo Find Ke...

In this second part of the Kelly & Company origin story, Kelly MacDonald takes us deeper into the decisions and challenges that shaped the show’s early days. Back in 2016 , AMI’s leadership, including John Melville and David Errington , saw an opportunity to build on the success of the morning show by launching a new afternoon program —and Kelly had a major decision to make.   After years of balan...

On today's show, Nisreen Abdel-Majid hosts the "Love Song Battle." We debate over the best (or worst) love songs every written. An upcoming marriage and male friendship are put to the test in a new comedy from Audible, The Best Man's Ghostwriter. Michael Feir will tell us all about it. Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canad...

On today’s show, we play Cupid’s Trivia! Nisreen Abdel-Majid is playing Trivia Master, as she quizzes us on Valentine’s knowledge. Valentine’s Day kicks off the long weekend this year, so why not make it extra delicious? Whether you’re staying in or dining out, Chef Mary Mammoliti is here with the best spots to savour the love in Toronto. Blind Gamer Markus McCracken highlights the accessibility f...

Why is Self-Love so Important to our Health? Frances Wong is here with the answer. As far as Hallmark themes go, February is the month most associated with Valentine’s Day and with that only a few days away, we’re here to talk about self-love. Kevin Shaw is going to teach us how to write a business Valentine, to show those companies how much you adore them. And, Film Critic Michael McNeely is back...

Marco Pasqua shares his experiences navigating love, marriage, and societal assumptions in an inter-abled relationship with his wife of 17 years, Karen. Alicia Grace Chenier reviews Unstoppable, the biopic about one-legged wrestler Anthony Robles, and questions the authenticity of disability representation in Hollywood. Jeff Ryman brings the latest on Para Sport Nation, including an upcoming chat...

On this episode of Kelly and Company , Dr. Danielle Jongkind helps us navigate the tricky world of pet emergencies—when should you rush to the vet, and when can it wait? Nutritionist Julia Karantjas breaks down the best foods for bone health (spoiler: it’s more than just calcium!). Plus, JJ Hunt takes us on a mouthwatering tour of his favorite night market feasts from around the world. And in the...

Ever wondered how Kelly & Company came to life? In this special Vanity Card , Kelly MacDonald takes us behind the scenes to reveal the unexpected journey that led to the show’s creation—sharing details that maybe he shouldn’t!   It all started back in 2013 or 2014 , when AMI-audio was exploring the idea of a live show —a big shift from its traditional format of readings and pre-recorded documentar...

On today’s show, we're talking about perhaps the greatest NBA trade deadline of all-time with Sports Broadcaster Randy Urban. TV Guy Greg David joins us to add a rose to The KellyCo Valentine’s Bouquet, with the most romantic TV episodes of all time! #Valentinesday #accessibility #KellyCo #AccessibleMedia  #podcast #blind Find Kelly & Company on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that e...

It’s the lead up to Valentines Day, Amy Amantea’s specialty is arts and culture. She gives us some fun Valentine’s gift and date night ideas. How does playing video games with your partner benefit the relationship? Rebecca Dingwell, who spends too much time on the PS5, is here with her answer. Winter comfort foods can be cozy as well as healthy. Chef Mary Mammoliti shares her favourite anti-inflam...