Rachel Thexton Connects

Now working as a reporter for Global News BC, an outlet where more British Columbians tune in for local news than any other news station in the province, Angela has her work cut out for her. An ambitious journalist who knows what she wants and works hard to accomplish it, Angela has an insatiable appetite to learn more. Angela tells me about her childhood dream of becoming Connie Chung, the path s...

In Greater Vancouver, we pass those who are homeless daily. Some are crying, laying in the cold, or simply sitting calmly. We tend to look away, passing quickly without making eye contact, and not wanting to think much about why that person is struggling. While homeless, this individual is likely experiencing pain and loneliness, along with judgment. It may seem simple but recognizing a person wit...

Recently his  Medicinal Mushroom Dispensary  was raided, and he was arrested by the VPD. Dana Larsen was soon back in business providing products to a variety of BC residents, and beyond. Dana talks mushrooms, details the other products he sells, and what they are used for, and stresses the importance of  GetYourDrugsTested.com , a free community service that he founded in 2019. We discuss Canada’...

The Founder of the Medicinal Mushroom Dispensary, Dana Larsen, shares details about the products he sells, why people use them, and even his recent raid and arrest. Episode coming this week with a man who has been fighting Canada’s drug policies for many years. Stay tuned! Dana Larsen (@DanaLarsen) / X (twitter.com) Rachel Thexton (@rthexton) / X (twitter.com) Music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay...

Junction Co.  Principal Ameet Johal joins me for a candid chat about working with clients, while maintaining your authentic identity, topics around gender and diversity, achieving success as a business owner, as well as what she has learned from mentors, and what she offers her clients while helping them to stand out as they create value for communities. We are The Junction Collective (Junction Co...

Ameet Johal, Principal of  Junction Co ., brings a fresh perspective to the real estate industry by emphasizing the importance of community building and authentic connection. Ameet and I chat about our shared experiences, working as leading industry consultants, differences we have experienced, and, mostly, Ameet’s fascinating and inspiring story and insight based on over two decades working in th...

Bestselling author, psychotherapist, and former journalist Ann Dowsett Johnston discusses alcohol in Canadian culture, her personal experiences with drinking, and her book,  Drink-The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol . Ann and I talk about how things were , how they are today, and how the pandemic changed things for families. We chat about government policy, how alcohol is marketed...

Bestselling author, psychotherapist and former journalist, Anne Dowsett Johnston wrote  Drink- The Intimate Relationship between Women and Alcohol .  Ann continues to use her experience, talent, and knowledge to educate Canadians on the many dangers of alcohol, as its currently perceived and used in our culture, its growing severity, and how problematic it can be, especially for women. Ann weaves...

A veteran journalist who writes about homes, once a music critic who interviewed Ray Charles, a woman with multiple books under her belt, and someone who adores animals, there is more to Kerry Gold than the popular  Globe and Mail  housing pieces that many in Vancouver wait to read weekly. I get to know Kerry more as we discuss her story and her work. Enjoy this! Working toward a humane society fo...

A Woman who dominates Vancouver’s real estate media space, and a writer who has written bestselling memoirs, there is more to Kerry Gold than I knew! Kerry had amazing experiences interviewing some of the world’s most talented musicians and I had the pleasure of learning more about her as both a person, with her own passions, and a professional on a mission for balanced and solid stories. Episode...

Master Martial Artist, and Team Canada Taekwondo Veteran, Siddhartha Bhat tells his story of starting the practice as a child, spending the first months of training in the corner for poor behaviour, and soon realizing his passion for fighting and at one point claiming a spot amongst the top #10 in the world. From physical discipline to mental focus, we discuss his reasons for stopping competition,...

In addition to hearing about Siddhartha Bhat’s amazing journey, our conversation developed into ideas, concepts and discussion on disciplines focused on the mind and overall health. He inspired me to act and think differently, brought new ideas to the forefront, and had me keen to act now. This conversation will surely inspire and fascinate you. Stay tuned for an update on the episode air date! Mu...

Mark Haden has been working with those who have mental health and substance use challenges for years. Now a UBC Professor, researcher and Clinical Supervisor at Qi Integrated Health, Mark Haden talks to me about using ketamine to help those with depression and PTSD, while emphasizing the benefits of psychedelic drugs in healing. Mark recommends taking a wise approach to drugs while minimizing the...

As we face a variety of mental health challenges in our province, and across the country, the way that we are caring for people with mental illness and substance abuse challenges is not working. Mark Haden wants to approach drugs with a wise, evidence-based approach and a part of this is using psychedelics, specifically ketamine, to help people who are suffering with depression, PTSD, and other me...

Music by Ashot Danielyan from Pixabay. Co-Produce by RAchel Thexton and Angel Araujo

Mo Amir is the creator and host of This is VANCOLOUR, originally solely a podcast, and now also a culture and politics TV talk show on CHEK. Mo is on the other side of the discussion here as he shares more about himself, his journey to talk television, his approach to interviews, and even some behind the scenes stories that will surprise you. We discuss the local digital space, podcasting, intervi...

I am excited to soon welcome media personality, CHEK talk TV host, and podcaster Mo Amir. Offering his extensive experience with diverse media and digitally focused interviews and commentary, my conversation with Mo is informative and entertaining. Mo shares stories from behind the scenes, tips based on his experience, and we get to know the man behind the microphone; the professional who is usual...

Discussion with BC’s Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe- Speaking with Lisa Lapointe was not only a pleasure, as she is helpful and kind, but also incredibly informative. Our Chief Coroner shares details on what she and her team do, what they have observed regarding deaths in British Columbia, as well as thoughts and advice for the province on preventing future deaths, especially those related to drug to...

This week, I am welcoming  BC’s Chief Coroner  Lisa Lapointe to the podcast. I cannot think of anyone more experienced, and intrenched in our province’s dire health problems, including the drug toxicity crisis, and other factors contributing to the passing of British Columbians, that may result from factors that we have not considered. I am honoured to kick off season #2 with such an experienced a...

Welcome to season #2! I can’t wait to host voices that need to be heard and share stories that must be told. To kick off the second season of my podcast, I have the privilege of welcoming amazing thought leaders, experts, and humans with insight and experience that help us to grow and consider what we can do to make ourselves and our city better. Please join me wherever you listen to your podcasts...

A week away to Ontario has me thinking about my past and the present in Greater Vancouver. Music by FASSounds from Pixabay. Co-Produced by Rachel Thexton and Angel Araujo.

I love seeing art being supported in this neighbourhood thanks to Digital Hopes, Miska Creative Society, TD Canada Trust, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, and other amazing graffiti artists and partners. Short discussion with them here on their experience.

Author, former broadcaster, and Mom of Holden, Tara McGuire, joins me for a timely and raw discussion about her son Holden, mental health, grief, and even graffiti. This interview completes my first podcast season, and I am fortunate to be able to share the insight and experience of this strong and talented woman. Tune in. It may even change a life….   Holden Courage Memorial Fund for Artists (van...

Author, and former broadcaster, Tara McGuire joins me next week for a conversation about grief, mental health, and her son Holden’s story, profiled in her book  Holden After & Before-Love Letter for a Son Lost to Overdose . Tara’s story moved me and no one who reads this book will forget it. I am honoured to welcome her. Music by lemonmusicstudio from Pixabay. Sound effects from Pixabay. Co-Pr...

I am honoured to announce that my next guest will be writer, editor, voice-over actor, and former broadcaster, Tara McGuire. Tara is the author of  Holden After and Before – Love Letter for a Son Lost to Overdose , which she describes as a hybrid work in memoir and fiction exploring grief, and the overdose crisis, in the aftermath of the death of her son, Holden. What a humbling, and timely, way t...