Storytelling Podcast

Always writing about meaning and purpose as an aging senior, Louise Day is the president and producer of the Seniors Acting Lab. The Seniors Acting Lab is group of all senior storytellers whose theatrical productions reflect, educate, and challenge the status quo on seniors’ issues. Tune into The Storytelling Podcast to hear more about how the group came to be, why it’s important to share these st...

Filling an important gap for new Canadians like herself, Toyin Oladele stepped up and created the Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation (ICAI) after getting wrapped up in a scam. place for newcomer and immigrant artists. Providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities, ICAI offers a friendly space in Calgary where all immigrant artists can feel free to create, connect, and display their works i...

As the Executive Director of Action Dignity, Marichu Antonio came to Canada 23 years ago from the Philippines. Making Canada and Calgary her new home, she is passionate about building community. Since its inception, Action Dignity (formerly the Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary) has been in the forefront of many initiatives addressing issues of diversity, human rights, racial inequities, and publi...

An author, poet, artist, learner, and believer in the power of art to build connection, cultivate love, and heal Harpreet Dayal is the founder of the Love Notes Project. Tune in to hear more about her first impressions of the city, how she developed the Love Notes Project, and what is next.

Sable Sweetgrass is a member of the Kainai Nation of Southern Alberta, born and raised in Calgary, Mohkinstsis. A short story writer, playwright, and filmmaker, she currently works at Calgary Arts Development as the grants specialist for Indigenous programs. Tune in to hear more about how the Original Peoples Investment Program came to be, her role at Calgary Arts Development, and how she works to...

If you went to the milestone Grandstand show at this year’s Calgary Stampede, then you’ve seen Onalea Gilbertson in action. As the show master in Trailblazer, she hosted and performed for an audience of 25,000 people during the 50th anniversary production. The one-of-a-kind adventure dazzled audiences with elaborate song and dance numbers, acrobatics, and live music. Tune in to hear what she is up...

The Executive Director of the Calgary Queer Arts Society and the lead educator of the OUTReels Diversity Education Program, James Demers has worked as a trans activist in Alberta for 11 years. His work brings together a variety of organizations, corporations, and government institutions to create a more equitable world for LGBT people and their families. Tune in to learn more about what he is up t...

An important economic driver and part of a vibrant arts community, music can play a key role in creating a vibrant and resilient economy. With a love for community and city building through the arts, Kaley Beisiegel is the lead consultant for West Anthem, the engagement consultant for Calgary Arts Development, and a professional musician and singer/songwriter in Calgary. Tune in to learn more abou...

The founder and director of Woezo Africa Music & Dance Theatre, Wunmi Idowu began performing traditional African dance styles at the age of three in her hometown, Lagos, Nigeria. An accomplished dancer, choreographer, instructor, and director, Idowu shares her story in this week’s Storytelling Podcast. Tune in to learn more about the company, what’s coming up for them, and why it’s important to co...

Encouraging cultural, spiritual, and religious activities, Sri Anagha Datta Society of Calgary also supports several local schools teaching Indian classical arts. The Natyanjali Dance Festival of Canada is a classical dance festival that encourages students to participate and showcase the art forms and the cultural heritage of India. Sharing their story, Lalitha Dwivedula and Shailesh Bhagawatula...

An artist, writer, educator, and inclusive designer, JD Derbyshire’s background of stand-up comedy, storytelling, interactive installation, and stage directing gives her unique tools to look at the complexity of the world. Derbyshire holds a Masters in Inclusive Design from Ontario College of Art and Design University in Toronto and creates playful, inclusive, interactive, and participatory experi...

Samuel Obadero is a skilled lifestyle photographer and a strong new voice for social advocacy in Calgary. Receiving the 2019 Calgary Catholic Immigration Society New Canadian Artist Award at the recent Mayor’s Lunch for Arts Champions, his current project, The Forgotten Ones, gives voice to marginalized groups in Calgary through powerful imagery. Tune in to hear more about who he is and how Calgar...

Curtis Running Rabbit-Lefthand is an Indigenous multimedia creative producer, musician, spoken word artist, and scholar. He is the founder and Artistic Executive Director of Indigenous Resilience in Music—an Indigenous-led organization creating insight into the lives of Indigenous musicians and empowering Indigenous youth in reclaiming their identity in music and the arts. Tune in to hear more abo...

Chatting with Calgary Arts Development’s President & CEO, Patti Pon, we’re pleased to be expanding our Storytelling Project into the realm of oral tradition with the first edition of The Storytelling Podcast. Tune in to hear more about what she does, who she is, and what is to come for 2019.

Brian Calliou reads Andrea James' Gulpa Ngawal at the 2016 Creative Calgary Congress.

Calgary’s Poet Laureate and a certified poetry fanatic, Micheline Maylor was asked to respond to what she heard in the morning sessions of the Creative Calgary Congress. This is the poem she created on the spot.

Brian Calliou shares a Cree story to illustrate the concept of Deep Listening.