Episodes

What if divorce didn’t have to be a battle? For many families, separation is one of the hardest experiences they’ll face. The traditional legal process can often add more stress than support, setting people up as adversaries. That’s why Edmonton lawyer Melissa Bourgeois founded One Family Law. After practicing in the traditional way for more than a decade, Melissa discovered a cooperative model in the UK that allows separating couples to work with a single neutral lawyer. With support from Edm...

What happens when kids come to school hungry? It’s harder for them to learn, focus, and feel like they belong. That’s why the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation launched Top Up for Tummies — a program designed to complement existing school nutrition supports and fill the gaps when students need it most. By giving schools the flexibility to respond quickly, Top Up for Tummies ensures kids can learn on a full stomach, with dignity, every day. In this episode, Renato Pagnani from Odvod Media sit...

What does it take to keep a mainstay like the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival thriving for generations to come? The Fringe is turning 44 this year — and it continues to bring artists, audiences, and community together in spectacular fashion. From August 14–24, 2025, Old Strathcona transforms into a city within a city, filled with theatre, food, laughter, and connection. But behind the scenes, keeping a festival of this scale sustainable takes more than just creativity. It takes pl...

What happens when your entire broadcasting network depends on a satellite that suddenly starts to fail? This week on The Well Endowed Podcast, we’re joined by Adam Mitchell, COO of CKUA Radio, to explore how the station responded to a major satellite crisis that put their province-wide signal at risk. From scrambling to install backup systems to coordinating community support, this story highlights how technical ingenuity and a whole lot of collaboration (including a Community Grant from ECF) ke...

On this episode of The Well Endowed Podcast, we follow Pride vs. Prejudice: The Delwin Vriend Story as it makes its European premiere at the Poland LGBT+ Film Festival. Pride vs. Prejudice is a feature length documentary produced by Edmonton Community Foundation and the Edmonton Queer history Project. The award-winning film tells the story of Canada’s first successful Supreme Court ruling on gay rights. Director Darrin Hagen and producer Andrew Paul take us behind the scenes of the international...

What if economic development wasn’t about growth, but about belonging? This week on The Well Endowed Podcast, we’re joined by Zita Cobb, co-founder of Shorefast on Fogo Island. Shorefast operates a range of community-owned businesses, including the renowned Fogo Island Inn, all designed to revitalize the local economy while honouring culture, ecology, and place. Zita shares how her community embraced shared ownership and deep local knowledge to build a more resilient and regenerative economy t...

What if the thing holding you back — from housing, employment, or healing — was a tattoo? This week on The Well Endowed Podcast, we explore how enCompass (formerly the Edmonton John Howard Society) is helping people rebuild their lives through a powerful tattoo removal and cover-up program. Designed for those leaving behind gang involvement, abuse, incarceration, or self-harm, the program gives participants a chance to reclaim their identity and move forward without the visible weight of past t...

Bold harmonies and fresh talent take the spotlight in this episode of The Well Endowed Podcast. We’re joined by Michael Zaugg, Artistic Director of Pro Coro Canada, and vocalist Josiah Maxfield to explore how the choir is reimagining choral music and building community through its Emerging Artist Program. With support from Edmonton Community Foundation, the program helps remove financial barriers so that passionate singers from all backgrounds can access professional training and performance o...

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 volunteer engagement and how organizations can better support that passion. Whether you’re a seasoned volun...

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 to becoming a dedicated volunteer and staff member. Along with insights from Scott, she offers a p...

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 with Managing Director Brianne Jang and Artistic Producer Amanda Goldberg to explore the festival’s re...

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 in animal welfare and how the Alberta SPCA is preparing for the road ahead. Show Notes Our guest tod...

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 us to explore how this program is shaping Edmonton’s musical future! Show Notes Our guest today was Curtis Ross & Amanda ...

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 scholarships have paved the way for his studies at the Curtis Institute and an upcoming European tour. Tune ...

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 Aliana Kanji, a Development Associate at the Youth Restorative Action Project (YRAP). Learn more about YRAP. Read the full art...

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 specialized care abroad. Tune in to learn how the Ben Stelter Foundation is leading the effort to make Edm...

Kaylyn Medeiros’ legacy lives on. In 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 veterinary students and raising awareness of rare autoimmune disorders like Takayasu’s Arteritis. Listen to this inspiring ...

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 by Edmonton’s hospitality industry to support their colleagues in Jasper. We hear from Mary Baile...

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 more in the latest episode of The Well-Endowed Podcast! Show Notes Our guest today were, Jordan Reiniger,...

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 dance traditions. Presented by the Hellenic-Canadian Community of Edmonton and Region, 4: Dances of the W...

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 this episode of the Well Endowed Podcast. Links: Our guest today was Awo Hassan, coordinator for the...

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 “Sweepers” in estate matters. Links: Learn more about Wills Week. Our guests today were Allison Barkwell and Michael Simon...

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, offering clear explanations and practical tips along the way. Don’t miss this special two-part series! L...

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 by those who have sought refuge in Canada. Discover how the Canadian Zalmi Society is fostering belo...