What the Family Studies?

Money advice is everywhere, yet so many of us still feel stressed, avoid our bank accounts, or repeat habits we promised we would stop. We sit down with Canadian money expert Jessica Morehouse, certified financial counsellor, podcast host, and author of Everything But Money, to talk about the side of personal finance that rarely gets taught: behaviour, emotions, and the stories we absorb about mon...

Your closet isn’t just personal style, it’s a supply chain, a set of climate impacts, and a story about how we learn to consume. We sit down with Dara Gellman, Youth Education Program Leader at Fashion Takes Action, to talk about sustainable fashion in schools and why fashion literacy belongs in family studies, home economics, and beyond. If you’ve ever wanted to teach fast fashion, textile waste,...

A school food program doesn’t have to start with a big budget, a greenhouse, or a perfect plan. We’re joined by Carolyn Webb from Farm to Cafeteria Canada to talk about the small, practical moves that make food literacy come alive in Canadian schools, especially in Family Studies and foods classrooms where students are ready to learn by doing. We unpack Farm to Cafeteria Canada’s four pillars (gro...

What if nutrition class sparked confidence instead of calorie anxiety? We sit down with Denise Hamburger, founder of the non-profit organization Be Real USA , to explore how schools can replace diet culture with body-inclusive, research-based teaching that actually helps students thrive. From early childhood influences to social media’s pressure cooker, we map out a clearer path: skills over shame...

Curiosity can shift a classroom, but access transforms it. We sit down with Kelly Daynard, executive director of Farm and Food Care Ontario, to unpack how family studies educators can move beyond food myths and give students a clear view of Canadian agriculture. From anxiety about additives to confusion over animal welfare and biotechnology, we trace why fears grow when fewer Canadians live on far...

What happens when a high school sewing class plants a seed that grows into a life of craft, community, and sustainable fashion? We sit down with textile artist Julia Masci to trace the arc from hemp baby clothes and block printing to eco-printing, plant dyes, and an upcycling practice that rescues garments and re-imagines colour with leaves, flowers, and time. Along the way, we unpack how curiosit...

Curious how a national think tank turns dense research into tools you can use tomorrow? We sit down with the Vanier Institute of the Family to explore their bridge‑building mission, the inclusive way they define family, and the resources that make complex evidence clear and actionable for classrooms, community organizations, and policy.    Laurel  Sakaluk  shares her surprising move from cytogenet...

Hungry for resources that actually work with real students, real schedules, and real constraints? We’re kicking off a new season by opening the door to a redesigned OFSHEEA website and five major projects built to make Family Studies more inclusive, practical, and engaging. With co-hosts Catherine and Katie and board members Carrie, Michelyn, and Corrine, we explore new course plans, fresh assessm...

Ever watch students struggle to make eye contact or endure a moment of silence without reaching for their phones? You're not alone. In this revealing conversation with Lisa, a Family Studies department head in Hamilton, we explore the fascinating world of teaching "Dynamics of Human Relationships" - a course she believes should be mandatory in every school. Lisa's journey from...

The pathway from high school to meaningful career isn't always straightforward, especially for students passionate about understanding human development and family dynamics. In this special episode aimed at high school students, we turn the spotlight on Western University's Family Studies and Human Development program with two inspiring guests at different career stages. Associate Profes...

Join us for a thought-provoking episode that uncovers the critical relationship between school nutrition and academic success. We have a captivating discussion with Carol Harrison, an esteemed dietitian with over 30 years of experience dedicated to promoting healthy eating among Canadian families and youth. Throughout the episode, we explore the issues related to food insecurity plaguing Canadian...

Join us in this episode where we interview three amazing Family Studies educators.  They share the challenges and rewards they face in teaching hands-on skills essential for real-world success. The discussion includes the need for curriculum updates, budgeting strategies, and the overarching aim to elevate the importance of Family Studies education within the academic landscape.  • Highlights of h...

Unlock the keys to creating a more accessible world for individuals with disabilities with guests Jessica Kruger and Charlene VanderGriendt. Imagine a school environment where physical barriers are no longer an obstacle, and inclusive education is the norm. We promise you'll gain insights into how the Rick Hansen Foundation is promoting and supporting accessibility in schools and communities....

Discover how Tessa Casella's journey from aspiring English teacher to amazing family studies educator can inspire you to embrace change and find your true calling. With her diverse background, Tessa enriches her teaching with real-life applications while championing the integration of Indigenous perspectives in education. We also dive into the practical side of family studies education, where...

Teresa Hamilton Kerr, a passionate voice in literacy education, takes us on a journey through her career and life-long commitment to spreading the joy of reading. From her formative years in a print-rich home to her impactful work at the Hamilton Public Library, Teresa reveals the importance of early literacy and the power of intervention for struggling readers. Her transition to adult literacy ad...

Unlock the secrets to effective teaching research and engage with the vibrant community of home economists at the upcoming Canadian Symposium on Home Economics! Join us for the season premiere of "What the Family Studies," as we sit down with Theresa Aqui and Dr. Kerry Renwick. Dr. Renwick offers a historical glimpse into the symposium's evolution since its inception in 1990, while...

In today's episode we explore the operations of community food banks with Debbie Marson, Executive Director of the North Bay Food Bank.   Debbie talks about the need for community support and advocacy to address issues of food insecurity. Together, we peel back the curtain on how these vital institutions run without government funding, rely on the generosity of people, and what truly makes a...

Ever find yourself locked in a battle of wills with a pint-sized food critic at your dinner table? Stacey Green, a registered holistic nutritionist and the author behind the hilariously honest cookbook "You'll Eat it and You'll Like it," joins us to talk about the messy, joyful chaos of family mealtime. Her philosophy of 'fed is best' is a life raft for parents naviga...

Ever wondered how a scoop of your favorite ice cream came to be? Reid Ball, a food science whiz and product development technician at the Guelph Food Innovation Center, joined us to stir up the flavors of his educational and professional journey. With a sprinkle of high school courses and a dash of co-op programs, Reid whipped up a career path that proves a love for science and a keen palate can l...

Join us for this episode where we talk about using RealCare babies in our classrooms.  We are joined by Matthew Colbeck from Studica and Lesia Hucal, a family studies teacher who uses RealCare babies in her classroom.  We are really excited for this episode because we have an amazing prize for our listeners!  Studica has donated a RealCare Pregnancy Profile for one lucky person.  To enter the draw...

In this episode we interview Jenn Sobec. Jenn is currently in her 17th year as a secondary teacher with the Durham District School Board. She began her teaching career in English and History 16 years ago. She has also taught Special Education but upon return from a maternity leave was asked to teach Fashion. With no experience in Fashion and not knowing how to sew, Jenn accepted the challenge. She...

We’re all excited to introduce our guest for this episode, Chef Destiny.  Chef Destiny is the owner of FoodZen, a personal chef and pre-made meal business in Waterloo Region. FoodZen's goal is to bring zen to busy family schedules, assist professionals in a better work/life balance, and help seniors maintain their independence by providing locally made, healthy and delicious food. As an Indig...

In this episode we interview Justin Büyüközer (he/him).  He is a secondary Family Studies teacher who identifies with the 2SLGBTQIAP+community. We are excited to learn more from Justin as he shares how he attempts to update his knowledge and understanding of the ever-changing and evolving Queer community to ensure his lessons move beyond acceptance and into the understanding of identity intersecti...

Our first episode of our second season is available now!!  Come and learn more about getting qualified to teach family studies in Ontario.  We speak to Jane Witte, AQ instructor, about the different courses, what you will learn and why it is a great idea to get qualified to teach the best subject ever! Be sure to like and follow this podcast on your favourite podcast platform.  Follow OFSHEEA on s...

It’s been a full first season for our little podcast and we’ve learned a lot!  We’ve interviewed a number of people like Cassie Brunsveld from Agscape, Heather Bamford teaching us about moving toward a Gradeless classroom and Leisa Hucal about the value of networking in the foods curriculum.  We also talked to some of our students!  Both Western Preservice Students and some of our high school stud...