Canada’s volunteer sector is in crisis. How can the culture of volunteerism be restored? Sara Lyons is the chief strategy and advancement officer at Volunteer Canada. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks: Reimagining Volunteerism, supported by The Belonging Forum, an initiative of the Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness. Lyons spoke at The Walrus Talks: Reimagining Volunteerism on April 15, 2025. To register for upcoming eve...
Jul 03, 2025•12 min•Season 5Ep. 22
Finding belonging isn’t just about building connections with people—it’s also about nurturing our relationships with the natural world. Chief Kluane Adamek is the Yukon regional chief of the Assembly of First Nations. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks at Home: Indigenous Perspectives on Belonging, supported by The Belonging Forum, an initiative of the Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness. Chief Adamek spoke at The Walrus T...
Jun 26, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 21
What does it mean to belong in the workplace? Kelly Lendsay is the president and CEO of Indigenous Works and the chief executive transformation officer of Luminary. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from his presentation at The Walrus Talks at Home: Indigenous Perspectives on Belonging, supported by The Belonging Forum, an initiative of the Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness. Lendsay spoke at The Walrus Talks at Home: Indigenous Perspectives on Belonging on Nove...
Jun 24, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 20
Colonial policies have long undermined traditional Indigenous education systems. How can communities come together to reclaim this knowledge? Dr. Becky Cook is the lands monitoring manager of Misipawistik Cree Nation. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks at Home: Indigenous Perspectives on Belonging, supported by The Belonging Forum, an initiative of the Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness. Dr. Cook spoke at The Walrus Talks...
Jun 19, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 19
Meaningful representation in creative spaces can help facilitate a strong sense of belonging and community. Camryn Dewar is a Métis opera and classical singer. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks at Home: Indigenous Perspectives on Belonging, supported by The Belonging Forum, an initiative of the Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness. Dewar spoke at The Walrus Talks at Home: Indigenous Perspectives on Belonging on November 25...
Jun 17, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 18
How might personalized, culturally-specific interventions shape more effective responses to social isolation? Kahir Lalji is the provincial director of government relations and community engagement at United Way British Columbia. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from his presentation at The Walrus Talks at Home: Rx Belonging, supported by The Belonging Forum, an initiative of the Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness. Lalji spoke at The Walrus Talks at Home: Rx Be...
Jun 12, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 17
Social prescribing is empowering vulnerable communities to cultivate a sense of agency through relationship building and resourcefulness. Diana Rose is a link worker with Healthy Aging Alberta and Family and Community Support Services for Wheatland County and the town of Strathmore. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks at Home: Rx Belonging, supported by The Belonging Forum, an initiative of the Samuel Centre for Social Connect...
Jun 10, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 16
With new evidence emerging about the impact of connection on health, social prescribing is bridging the gap between clinical care and community care. Dr. Kate Mulligan is a health geographer, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, and the scientific director at the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks at Home: Rx Belonging, supported by The Belonging Forum, an initiative ...
Jun 05, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 15
How does social prescribing allow us to reimagine systems of care and build societies where no one is left out or left behind? Kim Samuel is the founder of The Belonging Forum. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks at Home: Rx Belonging, supported by The Belonging Forum, an initiative of the Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness. Samuel spoke at The Walrus Talks at Home: Rx Belonging on September 25, 2024. To register for upcom...
Jun 03, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 14
There’s a lot of talk about voter turnout ahead of Canada’s upcoming federal election, especially when it comes to young Canadians. But low turnout isn’t always an indicator of indifference. Sometimes, it’s a signal that people feel left out. Samantha Reusch, executive director of Apathy is Boring, underscores how creating pathways for Gen Z and millennials to participate in civic conversations helps foster a more vibrant and responsive democracy. Reusch spoke at The Walrus Talks Wellbeing in Qu...
Apr 24, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 13
There is a growing generational divide in Canada’s housing landscape, one that’s not only pushing young people out of their communities but also leaving seniors behind. Housing advocate and author Kishone Roy outlines some of the key factors intensifying what they call “generational gentrification” and emphasizes the importance of reimagining housing not as a privilege but as a public good. Roy spoke at The Walrus Talks Equitable Housing in Vancouver on October 26, 2023. To register for upcoming...
Apr 10, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 12
Canada’s political landscape is becoming increasingly divided, making it harder than ever to navigate public discourse productively. Investigative journalist and author Justin Ling highlights three of the major factors intensifying polarization in Canada—and shares what everyday citizens can do to push back against it. Ling spoke at The Walrus Talks at Home: Polarization on December 4, 2024. To register for upcoming events happening online or in a city near you, and to catch up on our archive of...
Mar 27, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 11
Canada has long been a force in the arts, culture, and media space, but what makes Canadian storytelling stand out? Valerie Creighton, president and CEO of the Canada Media Fund, discusses how embracing authenticity in storytelling strengthens Canada’s cultural identity and elevates our stories on the world stage. Creighton spoke at The Walrus Talks Canada’s Creative Power, in Ottawa, on June 5, 2024. To register for upcoming events happening online or in a city near you, and to catch up on our ...
Mar 13, 2025•12 min•Season 5Ep. 10
Many companies champion mentorship programs and leadership initiatives that promise to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. But too often, these efforts fall short of meaningfully supporting their racialized women employees. Golnaz Golnaraghi, founder of Accelerate Her Future, a career accelerator for Black, Indigenous, and racialized women in business and STEM, emphasizes the value of investing in sponsorship over mentorship and redefining what it means to be an ally in the workplace. Goln...
Feb 27, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Every click, swipe, and like we make in online spaces leaves a digital trace that can influence government and shape our ability to participate in political life. Elizabeth Dubois, associate professor and University Research Chair in Politics, Communication and Technology at the University of Ottawa, highlights the importance of thinking critically about internet accessibility, data transparency, and digital citizenship. Dubois spoke at The Walrus Talks We Desire A Better Country, in Winnipeg, o...
Feb 13, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Building and maintaining sexual and body confidence as we age is essential for living healthier, happier lives. The intensity of the changes brought on by menopausal symptoms can make this especially challenging, but reconnecting to pleasure offers one path to empowerment. Luna Matatas is a sex and pleasure educator. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks Menopause, supported by Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health. Matatas spo...
Dec 12, 2024•11 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Navigating the health care system after a perimenopause diagnosis can be uniquely difficult, especially without a clear script for what questions to ask. Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe is the Medical Director of Primary Care Outreach at Women’s College Hospital; she is the Health Expert for CTV’s The Social; and she is an advocate and author. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks Menopause, supported by Shoppers Foundation for Women’s ...
Dec 05, 2024•12 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Pervasive myths and misconceptions have made the conversation around hormone replacement therapy a contentious and confusing one. But studies show that hormone therapy can be safe and highly effective, helping many women manage menopause symptoms and reclaim a sense of normalcy. Dr. Iliana Lega is a Scientist at Women’s College Hospital Research and Innovation Institute, a Staff Endocrinologist at Women’s College Hospital, and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the Universit...
Nov 28, 2024•12 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Mental health and menopause are highly stigmatized, making it hard for those experiencing both to chart a path forward. But what if there was a framework that perimenopausal and menopausal women could use to proactively incorporate mental health treatment into their care plans? Dr. Ariel Dalfen is a Psychiatrist and the Co-Founder and CEO of BRIA. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks Menopause, supported by Shoppers Foundation ...
Nov 21, 2024•12 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Did you know that women over forty make up a quarter of the Canadian workforce? Failing to accommodate those experiencing menopause has the potential to drive women out of the working world, resulting in severe consequences for the socio-economic fabric of our society. Dr. Jenny Godley is a Professor of Sociology and Adjunct Professor in Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talk...
Nov 14, 2024•10 min•Season 5Ep. 3
In the Anishinaabe tradition, the experiences of menopause and menstruation are regarded as sacred and in relationship to the land. These stages of life meaningfully connect women and girls to their ancestors, to their communities, and to each other. Sarain Fox is an Anishinaabe Artist, Activist, and Filmmaker. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks Menopause, supported by Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health. Fox spoke at The ...
Nov 07, 2024•10 min•Season 5Ep. 2
The impact of untreated menopause symptoms is far-reaching, affecting everything from an individual’s mental and physical health to the output and efficiency of the economy. How do we equip women with the necessary information and resources to thrive in this new phase of their lives? Janet Ko is the President and Co-founder of the Menopause Foundation of Canada. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks Menopause, supported by Shopp...
Oct 31, 2024•11 min•Season 5Ep. 1
487 trails, part of the Trans Canada Trail, can tell an important story about Canada, its history and its people. Dianne Whelan is a filmmaker, photographer, author, and public speaker. She spoke at The Walrus Talks Nature on March 19, 2024. This episode of The Conversation Piece features content from Manulife presents The Walrus Talks Nature, supported by Trans Canada Trail. To register for upcoming events happening online or in a city near you, and to catch up on our archive of The Walrus Talk...
May 17, 2024•12 min•Season 4Ep. 29
Indigenous people’s relationship to land forms an “ontological belonging.” Their spiritual beliefs connect them to the land and to all things of nature. Carolynne Crawley is the founder of Msit No’kmaq, co-founder of Turtle Protectors, and a Forest Therapy Guide. She spoke at The Walrus Talks Nature on March 19, 2024. This episode of The Conversation Piece features content from Manulife presents The Walrus Talks Nature, supported by Trans Canada Trail. To register for upcoming events happening o...
May 10, 2024•10 min•Season 4Ep. 28
Racialized immigrants face barriers that restrict their access to nature. Access to public spaces for new immigrants encourages participation in society and the potential to build Canadian pride. Ambika Tenneti is an Environmentalist and PhD Candidate in Daniels Forestry at the University of Toronto. She spoke at The Walrus Talks Nature on March 19, 2024. This episode of The Conversation Piece features content from Manulife presents The Walrus Talks Nature, supported by Trans Canada Trail. To re...
May 03, 2024•11 min•Season 4Ep. 27
Environmental health should also consider inequality in the areas of housing, economics, food, education. Iraz Soyalp, PhD, is the Director of Social Impact, Private Markets, for Manulife Investment Management. She spoke at The Walrus Talks Nature on March 19, 2024. This episode of The Conversation Piece features content from Manulife presents The Walrus Talks Nature, supported by Trans Canada Trail. To register for upcoming events happening online or in a city near you, and to catch up on our a...
Apr 26, 2024•9 min•Season 4Ep. 26
Some doctors consider nature time to be “the fourth pillar of health.” It can have a positive effect on mood, physical ability, and even mental wellness. Dr. Melissa Lem is the director of PaRx (Parks Prescriptions), an initiative of the BC Parks Foundation, and a family physician. She spoke at The Walrus Talks Nature on March 19, 2024. This episode of The Conversation Piece features content from Manulife presents The Walrus Talks Nature, supported by Trans Canada Trail. To register for upcoming...
Apr 19, 2024•10 min•Season 4Ep. 25
How we interact with nature changes over time. Canada has a long and rocky history with pipelines. The opposition has taken different forms. Understanding the nuances can tell us a lot about environmental concerns over long periods of time. Sean Kheraj is Associate Professor in the Department of History, Vice-Provost, Academic, at Toronto Metropolitan University. Sean spoke at The Walrus Talks Nature on March 19, 2024. This episode of The Conversation Piece features content from Manulife present...
Apr 11, 2024•9 min•Season 4Ep. 24
There is a diversity in trails and their uses. They are a meeting place for communities. They promote an appreciation for the environment. They promote physical and mental health while also serving as a catalyst for ecological health, community renewal, and economic vitality. Marlaine Koehler is the Executive Director of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust. Marlaine spoke at The Walrus Talks Nature on March 19, 2024. This episode of The Conversation Piece features content from Manulife presents Th...
Apr 05, 2024•10 min•Season 4Ep. 23
Four million people living in Canada are food insecure. Nick Saul—food and social justice activist and president and CEO of Community Food Centres Canada—explores the importance of pushing for systemic change through political engagement and grassroots initiatives on the journey to improving food security. Nick Saul spoke at The Walrus Talks Living Better in Toronto, Ontario, on October 29, 2019. To register for upcoming events happening online or in a city near you, and to catch up on our archi...
Mar 27, 2024•10 min•Season 4Ep. 22
