The Well Endowed Podcast

Today we’re continuing our celebration of National Volunteer Week with Part Two of our special series in partnership with Scott Lundell from ECVO ! 🎉 In this episode, we meet Steven Lin, whose path to volunteering offers fresh insights into what motivates people to give back. Alongside reflections from Scott, we explore the shared values, personal growth, and unique experiences that drive volunte...

Volunteers are at the heart of strong communities, and National Volunteer Week is the perfect time to celebrate them! 🎉 We’ve teamed up with Scott Lundell from ECVO for a special two-part series exploring what sparks volunteer involvement, what keeps people engaged, and how organizations can tap into that momentum. In Part One, Kayla Chan shares her journey from accessing services at Terra Centre...

For over a decade, SkirtsAfire has been a bold and creative force in Edmonton’s arts scene, celebrating the voices of women through theatre, music, dance, visual art, and more. Now, as the festival steps into an exciting new chapter, its leaders are reimagining what it means to uplift, inspire, and connect. In this episode of The Well Endowed Podcast, Trudy Callaghan from Odvod Media sits down wit...

Animal welfare in Alberta is facing major challenges, from rising costs to increased demand for services. For 65 years, the Alberta SPCA has been at the forefront of animal protection—but how do they navigate these pressures and plan for the future? In this episode of The Well-Endowed Podcast , Trudy Callaghan from Odvod Media talks with Executive Director Leanne Niblock about the evolving needs i...

Ever wanted to know about Edmonton’s real-life “School of Rock”? The Well-Endowed Podcast takes you behind the scenes of the Rock and Roll Society of Edmonton’s free music program. Supported by the Edmonton Community Foundation, this initiative is empowering young kids to pick up instruments, find their voices, and become the next guitar legends and vocal powerhouses. Join...

Join us on the Well-Endowed Podcast as we speak with 19 year old violin virtuoso Jacques Forestier. From toddler tantrums at his mothers violin recitals to a forthcoming debut album with Warner Classics, Jacques’s journey is one of passion and dedication. We discuss his unique upbringing, the vital role of the Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) in supporting his development, and how ECF sch...

What if justice offered a path to healing? Join us on the Well-Endowed Podcast as we connect with Aliana Kanji from YRAP. We’re exploring their powerful work with Edmonton’s youth, and how restorative justice is igniting change. Listen as we reveal the stories behind YRAP’s impact, and how they’re making a tangible difference in our community. Show Notes Our guest was Alian...

Join us on the Well-Endowed Podcast as we speak with Mike Stelter, father of Ben Stelter and Executive Director of the Ben Stelter Foundation. Inspired by their son’s legacy, Mike and his wife Lea are committed to bringing proton therapy, an innovative cancer treatment, to Edmonton. This promising therapy, which could have helped Ben, offers hope while easing the financial burden of seeking specia...

Kaylyn Medeiros’ legacy lives on.   I n the latest episode of our Well-Endowed Podcast, Kaylyn’s mother, Anna Olivieri, shares the heartbreaking story of losing her daughter and how her family found a way to turn their grief into hope with the help of ECF.   Hear how the Kaylyn Medeiros Fund, created in Kaylyn’s honour, is making a difference by providing scholarships for future...

Hospitality workers unite to help fellow industry workers in “Edmonton’s backyard” In July 2022, the idyllic mountain town of Jasper was engulfed in flames. The Jasper Wildfire Complex ravaged the landscape, forcing evacuations and leaving a trail of destruction. But amidst the chaos, a powerful story of community and compassion emerged. This episode dives into the inspiring initiative spearheaded...

Hope takes flight at the King Thunderbird Centre, thanks to a matching initiative this past fall that raised over $815,000! This collaborative effort between ECF, EPCOR, and Boyle Street Community Services provides vital support services and a brighter future for Edmonton’s homeless population. Boyle Street’s endowment at ECF helps to ensure its impact lasts for generations to come. Learn mo...

Four dancers. Four cultures. One powerful story. This week on The Well Endowed Podcast , we’re exploring 4: Dances of the World , a captivating production that takes you on a journey through the lives of four women from different cultural backgrounds. Connected by the universal experience of travel and reflection, their stories unfold through the beauty of Chinese, Greek, Indian, and Mexican...

Five years ago, a wave of attacks against Black Muslim women in Edmonton sparked a powerful community response, leading to the birth of a group dedicated to empowering Somali women. Today, that initial spark has blossomed into the Haweenka Support Circle, a safe haven where Somali women connect, learn, and discuss their everyday challenges. Discover the inspiring story of the Haweenka Circle in th...

Wills Week is here, and we’re bringing you a special two-part series with estate planning experts Allison Barkwell and Michael Simons! Allison and Michael have extensive experience guiding individuals and families through the complexities of estate planning. In this episode, they’ll discuss the risks of using online Will Kits and shed light on the roles of “Swoopers” and “S...

Wills Week is here, and we’re bringing you a special two-part series with estate planning experts Allison Barkwell and Michael Simons! Allison and Michael bring a wealth of experience to the table, having helped countless individuals and families navigate the often-overwhelming process of estate planning. They’ll guide you through the essential steps of creating a comprehensive estate plan,...

The Canadian Zalmi Society is a beacon of hope for Afghan newcomers, providing vital supports as they rebuild their lives in Canada. In this episode of The Well Endowed Podcast, we explore their impactful work and the difference they are making within the community. Through the personal story of Chand Gul, their program manager, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced b...

This year marks the 20 th anniversary of Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton.   On this episode, we speak with executive producer, Terri Duncan to learn how the organization is reshaping the way supports for kids and families living with Autism are delivered. This includes things like departing from a behavioural compliance approach toward something called the SCERTS model. SCERTS stands for So...

On this episode we’re joined by Tareq Hadhad, Founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate . Born in Damascus, Tareq shares his journey from a Lebanese refugee camp to Antigonish, Nova Scotia. His journey from the Middle East to Canada and its resulting culture shock are the tip of an inspiring iceberg that showcase the compassion and support of Canadians, Nova Scotians and the people of Antigonish...

Last year, our 10-part podcast series on the historic Vriend v. Alberta Supreme Court ruling received a nomination for a Canadian Online Publishing Award. This series has now been adapted into a feature-length documentary, Pride vs. Prejudice: The Delwin Vriend Story , written and directed by Darrin Hagen. Pride vs. Prejudice tells the compelling story of Delwin Vriend, who was dismissed from a Ch...

In this episode, we conclude  Monelle Sturko’s panel discussion that examines the vital role of women in leadership within the non-profit sector. Join Monelle, Michele Okere and Yasmin Jivraj as they delve into effective strategies for making positive change, communicating effectively with Boards and what enables women to bring unique leadership styles to the table. About the Panelists: Mone...

In this episode, join us for part one of a dynamic panel discussion that delves deep into the vital role of women in leadership within the non-profit sector. Featuring a round table discussion lead by Monelle Sturko (ECF’s Board Chair), Michele Okere and Yasmin Jivraj bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, offering insights into the challenges, triumphs, and strategies for succes...

Accepting the role as an executor of an estate can be a daunting prospect. Between probate and tax considerations and beneficiaries who may, or may not get along, the process can seem overwhelming.     On this episode we sit down with Victoria Jones from the law firm de Villars Jones to discuss the ins and outs of estate administration.      Victoria has appeared at all levels of court in Alberta...

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we go into our archives to bring you a story about two incredible community builders in our city. Nunu Desalgne and Hayat El-Ossmani were recognized for their community work at the 2022 RISE Awards . The RISE Awards are presented by  Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers  to recognize immigrant success in Edmonton. Hayat and Nunu received The Communi...

February 27th is International Polar Bear Day. On this episode, we’re putting on our parkas and heading out to learn about these majestic creatures. We’ll meet Dr. Andrew Derocher, a polar bear biologist from the University of Alberta to see how polar bears are faring in a changing Arctic, and we’ll hear from Dianne Johnstone one of the founders of the Johnstone-Wright Polar Bear...

On this episode, we go back into our archives to present a replay of our look at how bias in data gathering can impact representation of communities. Our guest producer, Emily Rendell-Watson , speaks with three incredible community members with experience in data research, urban planning and activism. This story originally aired in 2022 while ECF explored the history of racism through its annual V...