Lately, making Pebblebellies has been what has tethered me to love. In the quiet moments, sitting with these small, ancient stones in my fingers, I feel into their smooth, steadfast curves, listening for how they want to be set. Each one hums with the memory of tides, of moon cycles, of the deep, unseen forces that shape our world.

Follow, Listen, Rate & Review (thank you!)  in Apple Podcasts Subscribe & Listen in SpotifySubscribe & Watch clips on YoutubeOR listen in your favourite podcast app  In this deeply moving episode, Kate Shepherd sits down with Gabrielle Savory Bailey for a Listener Lab conversation that explores creativity as a force for connection, healing, and resistance in difficult times. Gabrielle shares her experiences as a Quaker, an artist, and a facilitator of creative communities, weaving together insights on spirituality, vulnerability, and the power of shared creative expression. Together, they discuss:✨ How creativity helps combat loneliness and fosters belonging✨ The role of spirituality in creative practices✨ The power of creativity as resistance in a divided world✨ How difficult conversations can lead to deeper understanding✨ Why creativity is not frivolous—it...

There’s something deeply Canadian about looking out for each other, about coming together in hard times, about making sure no one gets left behind. But in the last few years, something has shifted. We’ve become divided—angry, suspicious, convinced that our fellow Canadians are the enemy just because they vote differently. This didn’t happen by accident. It’s now well-documented that Russia (and likely other foreign actors) have been running interference campaigns in democracies worldwide—Canada included. One of the most obvious examples? The Fuck Trudeau movement. It started with Russian bots seeding the idea online, amplifying anger, and fueling discontent. But it took hold because it tapped into something real: unmet needs, frustrations, and the feeling that ordinary Canadians weren’t being heard....

In most elections, Canadians weigh the usual concerns—taxes, healthcare, the economy, and the environment. These are, of course, important issues. But this election is different. It is not just about policies; it is about the future of Canada as a democratic nation. The choice Canadians make at the ballot box will determine whether we continue to be a strong, independent democracy or whether we become a nation that indirectly enables the rising tide of authoritarianism sweeping the world. A Global Crisis in Democracy Around the world, democracy is under attack. Donald Trump’s influence on American politics has emboldened leaders who reject democratic norms, and Vladimir Putin continues his efforts to destabilize Western democracies. In this election, Canada is at a...

In this encore episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, with a brand new intro - I revisit a powerful conversation with the wise and insightful Jane Dunnewold. In a time of uncertainty and upheaval, I'm reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster so many of us are experiencing—fear, despair, hope, and the flickering light of creativity. I am candidly shares my own struggle with doom scrolling, the paralysis it caused, and the steps I am taking to reclaim my inner peace.