The Discovery Pod

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities has been a cornerstone of youth support in Canada for two decades. In this episode, Douglas Nelson talks with Marco Di Buono , President of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, about the organization's 20-year history of supporting Canadian youth through sport and recreation. Marco highlights the importance of centering youth voices in program design, Jumpstart's in...

The Child Development Institute is making waves in youth mental health and early intervention today, addressing complex challenges many children and their families are struggling with in a post-pandemic world. Douglas Nelson speaks with their CEO Andrew Reddin about their innovative programs that equip young people with essential skills to improve their mental health care. Together, they delve int...

The social economy is a powerful driver for systemic change and inclusion in any community, and this is the central focus of this conversation. Douglas Nelson sits down with Victor Beausoleil , a dedicated leader in the social profit sector, to discuss innovative ways to build resilient communities. From addressing economic inequities to fostering collaboration, the executive director of Social Ec...

Pearson College UWC is more than an educational institution—it's a vibrant global community dedicated to fostering peace, sustainability, and opportunity through diversity. In this Opportunity Spotlight episode, host Christoph Clodius sits down with Jason McBride , Head of Pearson College UWC, to explore how this remarkable institution shapes young leaders from across the globe. Together, they dis...

Due to an earlier than planned release of this podcast, Seeds of Transformation: a loving framework for equity, reconciliation and belonging is not yet available. Watch Tamarack's social media, website and newsletters for its release soon, or reach out to tamarack@tamarackcommunity.ca if you'd like to be alerted when it posts. Tamarack Institute is a leading organization dedicated to making commun...

How do you lead with purpose and compassion when faced with complex challenges like mental health issues, poverty, and homelessness? Douglas Nelson answers this big question with Wayne Leslie , Executive Director of the non-profit organization The Kettle Society . He shares how their Vancouver-based team provides crucial support and housing assistance to those facing mental illnesses, struggling w...

This 2025 offers a lot of opportunities for social profit leaders to make a real difference in their communities and even the entire world. In this episode, Douglas Nelson dives deep into his expertise in the social profit sector to share valuable insights on elevating leadership and driving positive change. He shares seven powerful resolutions designed to help maximize your impact and lead your e...

What does it take to empower aspiring women leaders to pursue global education opportunities? The Ching Tien Foundation for Women is dedicated to this very mission, providing scholarships and support to help women access education and become leaders and changemakers. In this Opportunity Spotlight episode, host Christoph Clodius sits down with Ching Tien , the foundation’s founder, and Ashleigh Au...

Trust and reconciliation take center stage in this conversation between Douglas Nelson and Bruce Miller as they explore the transformative power of Indigenous people’s resilience. Bruce, a leader with the Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund , shares how restoring fractured relationships and addressing chronic underfunding can unlock opportunities for Indigenous communities. Together, they discuss t...

Protecting our planet requires legal power, and Ecojustice is leading the charge. In this Opportunity Spotlight episode, host Christoph Clodius sits down with Tracy London , Executive Director of Ecojustice, to discuss the organization's critical work in defending nature, combating the climate crisis, and fighting for a healthy environment for all. Tracy sheds light on Ecojustice's impactful legal...

Strong leadership and a commitment to community can transform lives, and this episode dives deep into the power of immigrant services to do just that. Douglas Nelson welcomes Jonathan Oldman , CEO of Immigrant Services Society of BC , to explore the vital work of supporting newcomers in building secure futures in Canada. Together, they discuss the challenges and triumphs of delivering resettlement...

Explore various social media strategies with Douglas Nelson in this masterclass episode with Tom Plasteras and Jamie Harrison , seasoned media veterans and the founders of Verito Communications & Media Strategies . Tune in as they explore the most common pitfalls organizations face when marketing themselves and discover effective approaches to conveying your message to your target audience. To...

Douglas Nelson sits down with Christoph Clodius, Vice President of The Discovery Group, to explore the essentials of board recruitment. Together, they delve into how organizations can bring new perspectives to their boards, discussing everything from selecting candidates who reflect the community’s diversity to creating value-added boards that drive impact. Christoph shares practical insights on m...

In this episode, host Douglas Nelson welcomes Nicole Robson, President & CEO of the Surrey Hospitals Foundation, to discuss her journey in healthcare philanthropy and her mission to support the thriving Surrey community. Just seven months into her role, Nicole shares her vision for addressing critical healthcare needs in one of Canada’s most diverse and rapidly growing cities. Learn how Nicole...

Douglas Nelson speaks with Joy Bowen-Eyre , CEO of The Alex Community Health Centre in Calgary, Alberta. The conversation centers on community health and Joy’s insights into leadership, collaboration, and the importance of serving Calgary's most vulnerable populations. Joy shares the inspiring story of how The Alex provides essential health, housing, and social services to over 15,000 individuals...

In 2022, the Royal BC Museum faced major challenges due to the cancellation of the downtown campus rebuild. It fell to Tracey Drake , the museum’s CEO, to also rebuild the trust and reputation of the museum, as well as reinvigorate its connection with the community. In this conversation with Douglas Nelson, she provides a glimpse into the life of a CEO who handles such an overwhelming task. Tracey...

Today, we welcome Maureen Young, Vice President of Social Purpose at Coast Capital Savings, to discuss the evolution of social purpose in business. Coast Capital Savings has integrated social impact into its core business model, shifting away from traditional corporate responsibility. Maureen shares insights on how this approach fosters deeper community partnerships and drives meaningful change. T...

"Leading transformational change in mental health care—are you ready to be part of it?" In this episode, Christoph sits down with Jonny Morris , CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division (CMHA), to discuss the critical new role of Senior Director of Development and Communications. Jonny shares the vision behind CMHA's work, the personal passion that drives him, and why this inaugu...

BabyGoRound takes center stage as Meghan Neufeld, Executive Director, shares the inspiring journey behind this innovative social-profit organization. Douglas explores how BabyGoRound provides gently used baby gear to low-income families in BC's Lower Mainland, easing household burdens and helping babies thrive. Meghan offers insights into the challenges of working with funders, expanding services,...

In this episode, Doug Nelson interviews Cathryn Wilson, Executive Director of the BC Achievement Foundation. Cathryn shares her insights into the foundation's journey, the importance of storytelling, and how leadership plays a pivotal role in uplifting communities across British Columbia. From growing a team to fostering inclusion and recognition, this conversation delves into the strategies that...

Today, Douglas Nelson sits down with Britt Andersen , the CEO of the Canucks Autism Network . The conversation explores how the Canucks Autism Network is making a profound impact on individuals with autism, ensuring they are understood, accepted, and supported in every community space. Britt shares insights on the organization’s growth, challenges, and the programs they offer, from sports and recr...

Join Christoph Clodius as he sits down with Maria Howard , CEO of Family Services of Greater Vancouver , as they discuss a new opportunity - Director of Development. Maria delves into the agency’s wide range of programs, from youth outreach and family preservation to victim support and financial literacy initiatives, all aimed at assisting the most vulnerable in the community. With nearly a centur...

In this episode, Douglas Nelson welcomes Rowena Veylan to discuss the importance of Indigenous Fundraising Protocols and how they shape the future of fundraising in Canada. As the founder of The New School of Fundraising , Rowena shares her journey and the inspiration behind creating a platform that challenges traditional fundraising methods while promoting ethical practices. Tune in to discover h...

Dive into the inspiring story of the BC Centre for Ability , a beacon of hope for individuals with disabilities. In this insightful episode, Douglas Nelson speaks with Josh Myers , the Executive Director of the BC Centre for Ability, about the organization’s journey from its origins in the 1960s to its current role in promoting inclusion and providing vital services. Josh details how the organizat...

In a world that often overlooks women’s health needs, we must advocate for a future where women’s health is prioritized and celebrated. Christoph Clodius is joined by Cally Wesson , BC Women's Health Foundation President & CEO and Women's Health Collective Canada Founding Member & Board Director. They discuss the initiative’s evolution, from its inception to its current role in amplifying...