Rachel Thexton Connects

Writing a memoir takes courage. Writing an honest one takes something more. In this episode of Rachel Thexton Connects, Rachel sits down with Erin Steele Canadian author, writer, and self-described low-key philosopher — to talk about her debut memoir Sunrise Over Half-Built Houses: Love, Longing and Addiction in Suburbia (Caitlin Press / Dagger Editions). Set in Surrey, BC, the book is unlike any...

What does it mean when food isn't just fuel — it's governance, identity, and survival? In this episode, Rachel sits down with Chief Andrew George — Hereditary Wing Chief of the Wet'suwet'en Bear Clan, BC's first Indigenous Red Seal certified chef, Apprentice Advisor at SkilledTradesBC, and Director at Dan's Legacy Foundation — for a conversation that will change how you see...

Street Doctor Jill (Dr. Jill Wiwcharuk) is an addiction medicine physician, emergency room doctor, and one of Canada’s most important voices on the substance use public health crisis. In this episode of the Rachel Thexton Connects Podcast, Dr. Jill breaks down evidence-based treatment, compassionate care, the contaminated street supply, stigma in healthcare, and why policy makers need more courage...

Rachel Thexton sits down with Howard Chai, one of British Columbia's most respected real estate journalists, to talk about what it's like covering Vancouver's number one news beat. Howard shares the story behind his transition from computer science at SFU to journalism — eventually landing at Storeys.com, where he spent three years establishing himself as a go-to voice on BC's housing market. When...

In this raw and timely episode of Rachel Thexton Connects, Rachel sits down with Sarah Blyth, the Executive Director of the Overdose Prevention Society (OPS). Three years after first joining Rachel on the podcast, Sarah returns to discuss why the overdose crisis remains a dire health emergency despite falling out of the media spotlight. Sarah also details the variety of vital services that OPS pro...

In this episode of Rachel Thexton Connects, I am joined by Amanda Sayfy, the Executive Director of Dress for Success Vancouver, the oldest affiliate of the global organization. We dive deep into the realities of women in Vancouver today, discussing how the organization has evolved from its grassroots origins in a church basement to a multi-faceted support system. Amanda shares startling data on th...

Is corporate media abandoning your community? 📢 Journalism is undergoing a massive shift, and Freshet News is at the forefront of the movement. Discover how veteran journalists are fighting back against corporate media closures. Janice Cleugh joins Rachel Thexton to discuss the "revival" of local news through the journalist-owned co-op, Freshet News."We could not believe that they...

What does it truly mean to forgive when the systems meant to protect you have failed? In this powerful episode, I sit down with national bestselling author and award-winning journalist Angela Sterritt (Gitxsan Nation) to discuss her groundbreaking book, Unbroken: My Fight for Survival, Hope, and Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls. Angela shares her "beautiful journey" from the street...

Why is it so easy to start drinking and so hard to stop? In this episode of Rachel Thexton Connects, I sit down with William Porter, lawyer and author of the bestselling book “Alcohol Explained,” to explore how alcohol really impacts anxiety, sleep, mental health, and addiction recovery.​William explains how alcohol, a chemical sedative, triggers an equal and opposite reaction of anxiety in the br...

We dive deep into the stories, perspectives, and voices that matter. Whether you're looking for insightful interviews or a fresh take on current trends, this is the place for meaningful connection. Don’t miss an episode: ✨ Watch now to stay informed and inspired. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell to join our growing community!

Venezuela is more than just the headlines." To launch our new season, I am privileged to welcome Meriely Arias to the podcast. While the capture of Nicolas Maduro has the world talking, Meriely born in Puerto Cabello, joins me to share the story of a people who remain joyful and resilient despite decades of turmoil. From the "production line" of the traditional Christmas Hallaca to...

Vancouver City Councillor Rebecca Bligh joins Rachel to discuss her recent announcement that she is running for Mayor. Rebecca shares the personal journey that shapes her political vision, from immigrating from New Zealand to her experiences as a young single mom at 21. She discusses the need for "calm, competent, collaborative" leadership to overcome division at City Hall.

It's not "housing first," it's "housing with the proper resources". This teaser delves into why access to addictions and mental health counseling is critical for a housing strategy to succeed, and what British Columbia can learn from other regions that are getting it right.

A Discussion about Involuntary Treatment in British Columbia- Guy Felicella speaks from experience and support expertise. International Speaker, Advocate, and Consultant, Guy Felicella joins me to discuss BC's recent announcement around involuntary treatment and how to best support those living on Vancouver streets. Guy's valuable expertise comes from 30 years of lived experience, from wor...

In this episode, Rachel sits down with the incredibly talented pastry chef and owner of Mann & Co Bake Shop Surrey BC, Jujhar Mann. From his early days watching "Cake Boss" to becoming a Netflix baking champion on "Is It Cake," Jujhar shares his inspiring journey of overcoming cultural expectations and pursuing his passion. He opens up about the challenges he faced, the unw...

What motivates a Netflix baking champion after the competition is over? In this sneak peek of the next Rachel Thexton Connects episode, Netflix cake contest winner Jujhar Mann reveals what truly drives him. For him, the ultimate reward is simply "putting a smile on one's face. Full episode coming soon.

My uneasy stomach, and what I know to be true about substance use and mental health, led me to talk about the BC Premier's recent announcement that beds are being allocated for involuntary treatment in BC. I feel that it's wrong for many reasons, but mostly, I feel like this has more to do with the public's discomfort with seeing people unwell and doing drugs on Vancouver streets, than...

Are you desperate to support your child's wellbeing as everything around us is after their attention and we are facing a mental health crisis? Dr. Vanessa Lapointe provides incredible insight and advice, empowering you as a loving parent. Psychologist, Parenting Educator, Author, and International Speaker, Dr. Vanessa Lapointe joins me to discuss children, families, challenges we face in 2025,...

As host of the podcast, Rachel Thexton shares more about herself, speaking to a topic that is rarely discussed publicly- faith.

What kinds of discussions and content do I discuss with guests on the podcast? What types of guests join me for meaningful conversations? We designed the podcast with heart and purpose, and you will feel this as you listen to every episode.

Can two people with opposing views on divisive issues have a fair and respectful discussion? This episode highlights that it's essential to discuss difficult topics with respect, even when we disagree. In the final episode of season #4, I'm joined by longtime VancouverSun Journalist Pete McMartin, whose recent opinion column sparkedintense debate. We discuss Pete’s journey into journalism and his...

Rachel Thexton chats with Chris Campbell, a journalist with over three decades of community news experience. Currently leading The Surrey Citizen, a new digital news publication in BC's fastest-growing city, Chris discusses his journalism career and shares personal insights into the world of community news. https://www.alsbc.ca/ https://www.dsrf.org/ https://saveourlocalnews.ca/ Co-Produced by Rac...

At 14, Randy Taylor was homeless. Today, he’s helping others overcome trauma, addiction, and anxiety—not by revisiting pain, but by building something new. In this deeply personal episode, Randy shares the moment a single sentence from a guidance counselor changed everything, and why it’s time we rethink therapy.https://freefromtherapy.com/https://thextonpr.com/

Kareem Allan has led successful political campaigns, including the campaign for the current Mayor of Vancouver, Ken Sim. We learn more about who Kareem is, outside of politics, and what his hopes are for the direction of Vancouver.  https://www.vancityops.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareem-allam https://thextonpr.com/ Co-produced by Rachel Thexton and Angel Araujo

In this powerful episode, Vancouver City Councillor Pete Fry joins me for an honest conversation about the city’s evolving identity, his personal journey, and those who shaped his life. We explore his deep Vancouver roots , the complex realities of the Downtown Eastside, and the importance of empathy in leadership. Councillor Fry shares stories of the moments that changed his life—and perhaps the...