Rachel Thexton Connects

In Greater Vancouver, we pass those who are homeless daily. Some are crying, laying in the cold, or simply sitting calmly.

We tend to look away, passing quickly without making eye contact, and not wanting to think much about why that person is struggling. While homeless, this individual is likely experiencing pain and loneliness, along with judgment. It may seem simple but recognizing a person with eye contact, and a greeting, as encouraged by Coast Mental Health’s #JustSayHello campaign is a small but vital step.

I hope that people take this to heart. A simple greeting, and kind recognition of an individual, can make a difference in their day. I am not easily impressed by campaigns related to mental health, as many seem more focused on optics than true change.. This feels different. This feels authentic. #JustSayHello

The Founder of the Medicinal Mushroom Dispensary, Dana Larsen, shares details about the products he sells, why people use them, and even his recent raid and arrest. Episode coming this week with a man who has been fighting Canada’s drug policies for many years. Stay tuned!

Junction Co. Principal Ameet Johal joins me for a candid chat about working with clients, while maintaining your authentic identity, topics around gender and diversity, achieving success as a business owner, as well as what she has learned from mentors, and what she offers her clients while helping them to stand out as they create value for communities.

Ameet Johal, Principal of Junction Co., brings a fresh perspective to the real estate industry by emphasizing the importance of community building and authentic connection. Ameet and I chat about our shared experiences, working as leading industry consultants, differences we have experienced, and, mostly, Ameet’s fascinating and inspiring story and insight based on over two decades working in the space. Tune in to learn more about Ameet’s vision for the future of community and how she supports clients via her unique service offerings.

A veteran journalist who writes about homes, once a music critic who interviewed Ray Charles, a woman with multiple books under her belt, and someone who adores animals, there is more to Kerry Gold than the popular Globe and Mail housing pieces that many in Vancouver wait to read weekly. I get to know Kerry more as we discuss her story and her work. Enjoy this!

Mark Haden has been working with those who have mental health and substance use challenges for years. Now a UBC Professor, researcher and Clinical Supervisor at Qi Integrated Health, Mark Haden talks to me about using ketamine to help those with depression and PTSD, while emphasizing the benefits of psychedelic drugs in healing. Mark recommends taking a wise approach to drugs while minimizing the harms of drugs and maximizing their benefits. We discuss his path of coming to terms with the fact that there has not been effective treatment in mainstream medicine for those with depression, question the effectiveness of anti depression drugs, and discuss alcohol dependency and trials he is working on that could change the way it is treated. This conversation presents evidence-based treatments that could turn the mental health and addiction treatment field on its head. Maybe that’s what we need?

As we face a variety of mental health challenges in our province, and across the country, the way that we are caring for people with mental illness and substance abuse challenges is not working. Mark Haden wants to approach drugs with a wise, evidence-based approach and a part of this is using psychedelics, specifically ketamine, to help people who are suffering with depression, PTSD, and other mental health-related issues. Thousands of BC residents take antidepressants daily but are they working?

Mo Amir is the creator and host of This is VANCOLOUR, originally solely a podcast, and now also a culture and politics TV talk show on CHEK. Mo is on the other side of the discussion here as he shares more about himself, his journey to talk television, his approach to interviews, and even some behind the scenes stories that will surprise you. We discuss the local digital space, podcasting, interviewing styles, and some of his guest experiences. Enjoy!

Music by Olexy from Pixabay.

I am excited to soon welcome media personality, CHEK talk TV host, and podcaster Mo Amir. Offering his extensive experience with diverse media and digitally focused interviews and commentary, my conversation with Mo is informative and entertaining. Mo shares stories from behind the scenes, tips based on his experience, and we get to know the man behind the microphone; the professional who is usually leading the discussions himself. I love this part about interviewing media personalities, digital leaders, and journalists. They have their own stories to share, and they are always engaging. Episode coming this week!

Discussion with BC’s Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe- Speaking with Lisa Lapointe was not only a pleasure, as she is helpful and kind, but also incredibly informative. Our Chief Coroner shares details on what she and her team do, what they have observed regarding deaths in British Columbia, as well as thoughts and advice for the province on preventing future deaths, especially those related to drug toxicity. This is a conversation that I will never forget, and I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to share it with you all.

Join the discussion on twitter.

This week, I am welcoming BC’s Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe to the podcast. I cannot think of anyone more experienced, and intrenched in our province’s dire health problems, including the drug toxicity crisis, and other factors contributing to the passing of British Columbians, that may result from factors that we have not considered. I am honoured to kick off season #2 with such an experienced and outspoken professional- Lisa Lapointe.

Music by Roman Senyk from Pixabay.

Welcome to season #2! I can’t wait to host voices that need to be heard and share stories that must be told. To kick off the second season of my podcast, I have the privilege of welcoming amazing thought leaders, experts, and humans with insight and experience that help us to grow and consider what we can do to make ourselves and our city better. Please join me wherever you listen to your podcasts. I appreciate you all so much. Here are some hints on what’s to come!

Author, former broadcaster, and Mom of Holden, Tara McGuire, joins me for a timely and raw discussion about her son Holden, mental health, grief, and even graffiti. This interview completes my first podcast season, and I am fortunate to be able to share the insight and experience of this strong and talented woman. Tune in. It may even change a life….

I am honoured to announce that my next guest will be writer, editor, voice-over actor, and former broadcaster, Tara McGuire. Tara is the author of Holden After and Before – Love Letter for a Son Lost to Overdose, which she describes as a hybrid work in memoir and fiction exploring grief, and the overdose crisis, in the aftermath of the death of her son, Holden.

What a humbling, and timely, way to end the first season of my podcast, as mental health struggles fill the hearts and minds of so many Canadians. Tara McGuire’s book is beautiful, and heartbreaking, written with such skill that I could feel the pages in the deepest parts of my heart.  More to come on when this episode will be available.

PR Professional Renu Bakshi joins me for a timely and excellent conversation on public relations, a professional we share. We discuss the challenges and the solutions, Renu provides valuable PR advice, and we hear more about who Renu is as a person—someone who is kind, fair, and a dog lover (meaning she must be a great human ). Join me for a discussion that any industry and all professionals can learn from.

Digital Strategist, and Podcast Host, Joe Momoh talks about the digital space and servicing clients as they work to enhance their presence online. Joe Momoh is also the host of Joe Momoh Presents, providing listeners with a variety of business insights from leaders across Canada. Joe’s web design expertise, and understanding of online engagement and overall strategy, provide a complete digital package from a professional who never stops learning and digging into the next digital focus area.

Public Health Physician and former Director of the BC CDC, Dr. Mark Tyndall speaks about his years of experience, both across the globe in Kenya working with HIV patients, and here in Vancouver working with those using drugs during a toxic supply crisis. Dr. Tyndall also speaks to the estimated 48,000 Canadians who die from cigarette smoking annually and of vaping as being a clear solution to reducing that harm. This timely discussion is one that every Canadian should hear.

In the next episode, Vancouver public health physician and former Director of The BC CDC, Dr. Mark Tyndall shares years of expertise on harm reduction in relation to both smoking and drug use. Dr Tyndall’s evidence and analogies will make you think differently about harm reduction and empathy among mankind. Has our society given up on those in need?

Sound effects by Angel Araujo.

Music by Lexin_Music from Pixabay

Co-Produced By Rachel Thexton and Angel Araujo

Digital Hopes Co-Founder Minna Van talks about Vancouver’s lesser-known art talent and the beauty in telling one’s story via art in Vancouver’s downtown east side and beyond.

There has never been an apology or recognition of the injustices that Métis people have experienced. Métis Nation BC CEO Colette Trudeau is passionate that Métis People stop being an afterthought in discussions and actions regarding Indigenous People.

Born in Singapore, and raised in Hong Kong, Deborah has worked in the entertainment industry since 1981. Deborah established herself as a popular broadcast personality here in Vancouver amongst local Cantonese-speaking Canadians, along with English-speaking Canadians via her social media presence. In this episode, Deborah takes us through her journey to well-known broadcast host and discusses the media landscape realities here in our diverse province.

From being an avid motorcycle rider to a fitness and wellness advocate, Krissy Vann’s past has taught her inspiring lessons. From podcaster and influencer to blogger and a woman of many talents, this conversation may make you second guess where you are in life and where you want to be….maybe who you want to be.

Music by BLACKBOX from Pixabay.

Sharing my thoughts about our diverse province and the beautiful diversity that I believe needs to be incorporated more into PR and marketing strategies with authenticity and building relationships.

Co-Produced by Rachel Thexton and Angel Araujo.

Vancouver Digital Content Creator Alicia Haque discusses social media influence and answers the questions that we hear when asked about the value of a digital influencer focus. Alicia's favourites nonprofits:

Radio host Drex talks radio and reveals who he is as an amazing human, with a big heart, and a love for pencils.

Two of Drex's favourite charities

I am excited to learn more about radio professional Drex, who has so much experience in the broadcast industry. I also want to know more about him as a person and I can’t wait to chat with him and share our discussion with you all soon.

Music by SoundGalleryByDmitryTaras from Pixabay