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Existential Relish

C-A Granatstein

In every conversation, stories, insights and perspectives finding joy and purpose in the human experience.

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20 episodes
Avg 37 min
English

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#41
Aug 16, 2023 · 41 min
She Who Dares Wins: Meet the Dynamic Dr. Rhonda McEwen
This episode reveals not only the details about a world-renown researcher, who is a scholar in emerging tech and the first Black woman to be President of a Canadian university, but the radiant human who embodies fearlessness and inspires so many. Friends for two decades, Host C-A Granatstein and Dr. Rhonda McEwen cover a range of topics, like Rhonda's move to middle America from Trinidad as a teenager; her research that informed the creation of Julia, the first Sesame Street Muppet on the autism spectrum; managing a student protest that evolved into a full-on occupation; and her vision for inclusivity at the University of Victoria in the University of Toronto.
#40
Jul 12, 2023 · 38 min
Encounters with a Superhero: In Conversation with Batman
The episode starts out as a story about a broken down vintage Austin-Healey and a chance encounter with a real life superhero. It evolves into stories about helping others, being part of the fabric of the community, and aslo a big surprise for host C-A's friend Mike.
#39
Jun 7, 2023 · 27 min
Predators and Partners: Tales from a Falconer
It's the stuff of movies, mystery and faraway places. Records show that as early as 2,000 BC falcons were used to hunt and feed communities, for sport, and as highly effective pest control. C-A has a fascinating conversation about falconry with the hard-working falcons Bullet and Petey, and Falconer Keith Everett from Falcon Environmental.
S1 · E38
May 17, 2023 · 32 min
Interviewing the Interviewer with Steve Paikin
C-A speaks to Steve Paikin, journalist, author, documentary producer, podcast co-host and host of TVO's flagship current affairs program, The Agenda with Steve Paikin. The conversation focuses on interviewing, but Steve breaks out into song, recalls great moments, surprising moments, being starstruck and a few personal - but not too personal - nuggets.
S3 · E36
Nov 9, 2021 · 32 min
Resale therapy - Sustainable Fashion is all the rage
Fashion rentals, refurbishment and resale is just about the easiest and most enjoyable way to support local businesses, save money, reduce the carbon footprint of your clothing and rescue clothes from the landfill which pollute water systems and through their decomposition process and incineration, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. C-A talks to Common Sort owner Nicole Babin about her three thriving resale clothing locations in Toronto, her business model, the challenges that come with growth and about her long-time employees who are happy and fulfilled because they get to work in fashion, in a sustainable and accessible way, for a boss that has embedded social responsibility into her operation. Fashion rentals, refurbishment and resale is just about the easiest and most enjoyable way to support local businesses, save money, reduce the carbon footprint of your clothing and rescue clothes from the landfill which pollute water systems and through their decomposition process, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. After listening to Nicole, as well as one of her employees and a 20-something consumer/seller, you will want to give resale a try.
#35
Aug 11, 2021 · 1 hr
Building trust and human connection through LEGO
This conversation with Dr. Kasra (Kas) Khorasani is about a unique approach that he developed for his inpatient psychotherapy groups using LEGO Serious Play methodology. Learn why group therapy is such a valued tool in for psychotherapy and how building with LEGO in Kas's sessions empowers further connection, allowing people to become authentic, genuine, non-judgemental, curious and kind. Show host, C-A Granatstein also does a little building with Kas to understand the process of these sessions. Music: Romance for Piano and Cello by Martijn de Boer (NiGiD) (c) copyright 2015 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/NiGiD/50238 Ft: AT
#34
Jun 23, 2021 · 35 min
Out of the goodness of my liver: A story of living organ donation
In March 2021, Glenna Gosewich became an non-directed living organ donor. 62% of her liver went to a stranger who was in need of a vital transplant. Glenna sees this as a form of charity, a good deed — something she can do because she's able, despite the risks, post-op recovery and even judgement from others. Glenna is also a wealth of information on the topic as well as about blood donation. This episode will no doubt get you thinking about different ways you can help others.
#33
May 27, 2021 · 28 min
Teenage musings on sustainability, getting published and having a boss mentality
Just when you think all teenagers spend every waking moment on TikTok, there's Naila Moloo. At 15 years old, this STEM researcher's drive to contribute to a sustainable future, her stellar networking tips and her ability to handle rejection with grace in order to get exactly what she wants... is so totally boss. You are guaranteed to learn one life tip from this episode, or at the very least, make you think about reaching just a bit further for your own dreams.
S1 · E32
May 5, 2021 · 1 hr 13 min
Close to home Part 2 - Stories of neighbourhood businesses in the COVID economy
Close to home: Stories of neighbourhood businesses in the COVID economy are conversations with six business owners in the St. Clair West community, in midtown Toronto. Part one was published a year ago this week. Like so many things in the last 14 months, the conversations with Cocoa Latte, The Rushton, Ecoexistence, Playfulminds, Philosophy and Koko & Co were scheduled, cancelled, rescheduled, cancelled and rescheduled. Naïvely or optimistically, C-A wanted everyone to have a happy story to tell – that their businesses were fully open, but the pandemic just doesn't work this way. Though the conversations are with six really different businesses, what's universal are their strong feelings of accountability to a supportive community, and a real yearning to get back to serving them the way they know best.
#31
Apr 8, 2021 · 38 min
Get in the garden - With Ed Lawrence
Ed Lawrence is THE Gardening expert. He was the Chief Horticulturalist for six consecutive Governors General and has been a regular on CBC's Ontario Today show for the last 40 years. Whether you are a beginner gardener or you are well versed in the ways of plants, Ed is a joy to listen to and learn from. In this episode Ed's got plenty to say about growing food, the importance of getting kids' hands in the dirt and how it always starts with the soil. Stay safe, and get into the garden!
#30
Mar 3, 2021 · 41 min
Desk Stress, Inactivity and the Joy of Movement
The activity level of humans is generally at an all time low as people work from home, spend countless hours on devices and endure waves of lockdowns. Sitting is stressful on the back, hips, neck and shoulders. The lack of movement is being linked to a decline in mental health and an increase in injury. Dr. Waj Hoda is back on the show with preventative solutions and insights towards a pain free existence.
#29
Feb 10, 2021 · 28 min
Happily ever after: Embracing the romance novel
Smut, trash, beach read. All terms used to describe the romance novel. This genre often gets a bad rap despite it being a massive industry. C-A speaks to romance author Victoria Denault about writing sex scenes, an unexpected review from comedian Paul Scheer and #Bridgerton fever. As people dream of adventures while shut in, locked down and cut off from finding their needle in the haystack—their partner, lover, soulmate—the romance genre is on fire. Actually, it always was. Check out Victoria's collection at http://www.victoriadenault.com/
#28
Dec 30, 2020 · 42 min
The dog is your guru: Become the peaceful alpha your dog needs and respects
Dog loves you. Dog wants to teach you about love and presence and patience and forgiveness and gentleness and benevolence. Dog wants to cherish you, wants you to be a certain way and is always there to teach you. Dogs are meditation masters. Master dog trainer, mindfulness teacher, meditation instructor and soon-to-be author, Jesse Sternberg provides a ton of insight on becoming the peaceful alpha your dog needs and respects; how to tune into your dog's world; have a deeper connection; more ease, more joy and more fun…all by being a better communicator. A treat to listen to if you have a dog, and even if you don't. Jesse's online course for pets and their humans can be found at peacefulalpha.com
#27
Nov 25, 2020 · 20 min
Chicken Soup 101 - Cooking up elixirs during lockdown
Just in time for winter, second waves and lockdowns, C-A learns how to make chicken soup, also known as "Jewish Penicillin", with help from her mother. Bones or meat? Gloves or no gloves? Turnips or parsnips? Together, but in different cities, mother and daughter get all of these questions answered and more. Check out the Show Notes for the full recipe.
#26
Oct 13, 2020 · 26 min
Get out of my head - Zooming with Mysterion the Mentalist
C-A is ready to forget about what's happening in the world and wonders if it's possible for a mentalist to do a show over Zoom. Mysterion the Mindreader, who is one of few to fool Pen and Teller, proves that yes, it is possible! Mysterion blows her mind with a few tricks and they also talk about the mindreading biz during the pandemic. "It's about fun. If I can take you out of that skeptical, headspace and put you into a headspace of wonder, then my job has been successful." - Mysterion Get in touch with Mysterion to book him for your next private or corporate event - in person or via Zoom: Instagram: @drmysterion Website: thesentimentalists.com Ticktock: drmysterion
#25
Aug 19, 2020 · 51 min
Kids Help Phone: Game changer life saver - With CEO Kathy Hay
C-A speaks to Kathy Hay, President and CEO of Kids Help Phone, Canada's only 24/7, national support service that offers professional counselling, information and referrals, and volunteer-led, text-based support to young people in both English and French. C-A is a volunteer crisis responder with Kids Help Phone. She talks to Kathy about her experience on the texting platform, the spikes in demand and about the organization's commitment to anti-racism from recruitment policies to training to active rescues for black and indigenous youth.
#24
Jul 29, 2020 · 30 min
Lilies of the alley - an urban gardening story
In this episode, C-A talks to Sandy Carlton, owner of Arcadian Daylilies, an urban farmer in midtown Toronto in his backyard garden, where he grows about 300 different varieties of daylilies and other plants that perform well in a northern climate. Sandy offers up a wealth of garden wisdom like what chicken fat has to do with daylillies, how to get 400 blooms over the course of a season from one plant and the number one secret to growing healthy plants.
#23
May 13, 2020 · 52 min
Close to home: Stories of neighbourhood businesses in the COVID economy
Six entrepreneurs from the St. Clair West neighbourhood in midtown Toronto talk candidly about running their businesses over the past nine weeks since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, how they are innovating and what people can do to ensure this community, and communities like St. Clair West, thrive in the new COVID economy. Very special thanks to Playful Minds, COCOALATTE, The Rushton, Philosophy Fitness, EcoExistence, and KOKO + CO
#22
Apr 29, 2020 · 29 min
My childhood friend is a hero - With Dr. Daniel Labow
C-A talks to her childhood friend, Dr. Daniel Labow, Chief of the Surgical Oncology Division and Vice Chair of Outpatient Services for the Department of Surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City about the tough decisions he's had to make as a doctor, husband and father during COVID-19. They also discuss his toughest day on the job and the good that's come out of the chaos while working on the front lines in the epicentre of the US's COVID-19 outbreak.
#21
Apr 15, 2020 · 23 min
Loving Kindness during COVID: Metta Meditation
C-A turns to Wendy Lund from Ep. 2, Has Mindfulness Lost its Meaning to see if there is a meditation that could help cultivate a sense of peace in this time of uncertainty. Wendy walks listeners through Metta, or compassion meditation, to help send loving- kindness to the people in our lives and to ourselves.

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