BeCause & Effect

Episode 29 - Fred Penner

February 04, 2020 06:00 - 45 minutes - 62.9 MB

Today’s episode features one of the greatest entertainers of our generation, actor, author, singer/songwriter and keynote speaker, Fred Penner. Mr Penner is gearing up for his upcoming cross-Canada tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Cat Came Back, released back in 1980. He joined my via video chat from Beautiful British Columbia, and we talked not only about his legendary career, but also about the current media landscape, mindfulness and meditation, reconciliation, and ...

Episode 28 - Loren Remillard

January 28, 2020 06:00 - 1 hour - 94.7 MB

Welcome to BeCause & Effect, a podcast from the Winnpieg Foundation, where we talk to people about the causes they care about, and the effect that it has on their lives. My name is Nolan Bicknell. Loren Remillard is the President and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. He’s been with the organization since 1997 and has a great perspective on the importance of small business to our communities. We talk about business profits and social impact, national trends in entrepreneursh...

Episode 27 - Jon Montgomery

January 21, 2020 06:00 - 57 minutes - 79.6 MB

Welcome to BeCause and Effect, a podcast from the Winnipeg Foundation, where we talk to people about the causes they care about, and the effect it has on their lives. My name is Nolan Bicknell. Today’s guest is one I’ve wanted to talk to since we launched this podcast, and could not be more excited to kick off season three with the amazing Jon Montgomery. Jon is probably best known for his work as host of Amazing Race Canada since back in 2013, but Jon gained international notorie...

Episode 26 - Ron MacLean

December 10, 2019 06:00 - 42 minutes - 58.7 MB

Every episode of BeCause & Effect ends with a set of questions we call Just BeCause. It’s the same seven questions asked of all of our guests. Today’s show is both a highlight episode, showcasing some of the best answers to the Just BeCause questions, and an exclusive, unreleased Just BeCause with Mr. Ron MacLean as well. We were able to talk to Ron MacLean at a fundraising dinner for the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre earlier this year, where Ron co-hosted the event with Jann Arden. ...

Episode 25 - Kai Madsen

December 03, 2019 06:00 - 41 minutes - 57.7 MB

Kai Madsen is celebrating quite a few milestones this year: 50 years since he started volunteering with the Christmas Cheer Board, 25 years since he became their Executive Director, and 100 years that the organization itself has been in operation. Kai and the more than 5,000 volunteers annually have been such an incredible force in our city, bringing holiday cheer to under-served families for such a long time, and they’re still going strong. I sat down to talk with Kai Madsen, Exe...

Episode 24 - Stephanie Scott and Jeff Newman

November 26, 2019 06:00 - 52 minutes - 71.5 MB

Jeff Newman and Stephanie Scott learned a lot while working on their show First Contact. The reality style TV show brought Canadians from similar backgrounds together to learn about Indigenous culture and attempted to shatter their racist beliefs. As filmmakers, their goal is to educate not only the participants on the show, but people worldwide by shining a light on prejudice, stereotyping, and racism across our country. I sat down with both Jeff Newman and Stephanie Scott,...

Episode 23 - Oly Backstrom

November 19, 2019 06:00 - 45 minutes - 62.1 MB

Oly Backstrom has been with SCE Lifeworks for a quarter of a century. 25 years of providing inclusive supports and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As President and CEO of SCE Lifeworks, Oly has found meaning and purpose in helping others and educating communities on the abilities of all. I sat down with Oly Backstrom, to talk about how businesses thrive when they hire inclusively, social evolution over the last two and a half decades, and his c...

Episode 22 - Jim Gauthier

November 12, 2019 06:00 - 42 minutes - 58.4 MB

Jim Gauthier went from humble beginnings, to successful businessman, to one of the most giving and philanthropic people in Winnipeg. The Association of Fundraising Professionals even awarded Jim their Outstanding Philanthropist for 2019. Jim and his late wife Joyce gave back as soon as they were able to, first as founders of The Dream Factory, and as well as supporters of many causes and organizations over the years, including the Humane Society and the Canadian Museum for Human Ri...

Episode 21 - Paige Procter

November 05, 2019 06:00 - 45 minutes - 62.5 MB

When one of Paige Procter’s loved ones got a cancer diagnosis, she turned her grief into something positive, and her community of Gross Isle Manitoba has now raised over 130,000 dollars for Cancer Care. Through the Coffeehouse to End Cancer fundraising concerts, Paige and her team of volunteers have brought their friends, and family, and community together for a day of local artists performing and keynote presentations for nearly a decade now. Paige was awarded the Association of ...

Episode 20 - Clare MacKay

October 29, 2019 05:00 - 48 minutes - 66.5 MB

Clare MacKay knows how, and why people gather. The public spaces provided through the Forks in Winnipeg are world-class and bring in people from all over the globe. Clare’s role as VP, Strategic Initiatives as well as Executive Director of The Forks Foundation has meant she’s front and centre of the Forks’ incredible growth for nearly two decades. I sat down with Clare Mackay, to talk about The Forks’ evolution from ancient meeting place to its modern model of success, the issues ...

Episode 19 - Stephen Borys

October 22, 2019 05:00 - 47 minutes - 65.3 MB

Stephen Borys is one of the leading and most educated voices in art and art history in the country. He holds a PhD in Art and Architectural History from McGill, a MA in Art History from the University of Toronto, on top of being the curator or curatorial assistant at many acclaimed museums and galleries across North America. In his current role as the Director and CEO of the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) he’s been tasked with building Canada’s first Inuit Art Centre, slated to open in...

Episode 18 - Joy Loewen

October 15, 2019 05:00 - 48 minutes - 66.8 MB

Joy Loewen is living a life in service of others. As the Acting Executive Director of The National Screen Institute, she and her team are empowering Canadians all across the country to tell their stories, and find careers while doing so. As a volunteer and board member for countless organizations in her city, Joy has made it a priority in her life to help lift up those in need. I sat down with Joy, to talk about the importance of giving a hand up to others, bringing out their pote...

Episode 17 - Dayna Spiring

October 08, 2019 05:00 - 47 minutes - 64.8 MB

Dayna Spiring knows how compelling Winnipeg is when it comes to business opportunities, tourism, and leisure activities. As the President and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc, Dayna knows what it takes to be a great city. She also knows there’s a lot to be excited about in the city, not only for tourists visiting, but for the people living here as well – just think about the whiteout parties from a few years ago! Dayna is an avid volunteer and devotes much of her time to m...

Episode 16 - Chef Ben Kramer

October 01, 2019 05:00 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MB

Chef Ben Kramer has been working in kitchens, and with food, his entire life. From humble beginnings washing dishes, to catering for thousands over his career, he lives and breathes healthy food. Chef Kramer has been a champion of local, sustainable ingredients for years, and has helped to change the way Western Canada approaches cuisine. I sat down with Chef Ben Kramer, to talk about the culinary arts, his devotion to quality sustainable ingredients, and his passion for helping p...

Episode 15 - Tara Birtwhistle

September 24, 2019 05:00 - 56 minutes - 77.1 MB

Tara Birtwhistle has danced at the pinnacle of professional ballet for most of her career. She joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in 1991, was made principal dancer in 2000, and has been Ballet Master for 11 years. She has represented the company and danced all over the world during her nearly 30-year career, including a performance for the Queen. Now the Associate Artistic Director of RWB, Tara has taken a more directorial and mentorship role, Tara is focusing on the next generation...

Episode 14 - Dr. Ian Mauro

September 17, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 89.8 MB

I could talk to Dr. Ian Mauro for hours about climate change. He’s a uniquely equipped expert in the field, with decades of education, research, and first-hand experience on all aspects of the impending climate catastrophe. He is the Executive Director of the Prairie Climate Centre at the University of Winnipeg, a filmmaker, activist, and environmental and social scientist. I sat down with Ian, to talk about climate change, the role technology and media has to play, and trying to ...

Episode 13 - Jennifer Jones

September 10, 2019 05:00 - 38 minutes - 52.6 MB

Jennifer Jones is a Canadian superstar and curling legend. Her list of accolades and championships is too long to name, reaching the pinnacle with an Olympic gold medal in 2014. Jennifer is humble, warm, driven, generous, and a quintessential Manitoban. I sat down with Jennifer, to talk about performing under pressure, dealing with personal and professional loss, honoring her late father, and what it means to be a champion. Show notes: 1:10 - Intro. "There's nothing like curling ...

Episode 12 - Mark Chipman

July 09, 2019 05:00 - 57 minutes - 79.1 MB

Mark Chipman is a quintessential Winnipegger. As the Executive Chairman of the Board of True North Sports + Entertainment and the Winnipeg Jets, he has devoted most of his professional life to giving back and helping improve the city where he was born and raised. Along with his wife Patti, Mark has played a major role with the True North Youth Foundation since its inception in 1996, consisting of three core programs, Camp Manitou, Project 11, and the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy....

Episode 11 - Lynne Skromeda

July 02, 2019 05:00 - 51 minutes - 71.4 MB

Lynn Skromeda has got to be the best person to talk to about the Winnipeg Folk Festival, as she’s been attending for nearly 40 years, basically grew up at the festival, and she also happens to be the Executive Director of Winnipeg Folk Fest as well. Although you really have to experience it firsthand to truly ‘get it’, Lynn’s love of the festival, of music, and of the community and artistic culture in general leaves her uniquely equipped to explain the Magic that is the Winnipeg F...

Episode 10 - Cate Friesen

June 25, 2019 05:00 - 51 minutes - 70.7 MB

Cate Friesen loves telling stories. She’s been doing it her entire life, in nearly every career she’s had; from Singer/Songwriter, to producer with the CBC, Radio Documentarian, and especially now, as the driving force behind The Story Source. She’s been a key trainer in the Winnipeg Foundation’s Fast Pitch events for the last few years, and frequently works with businesses and non-profits to help them find and tell their stories, through facilitation and coaching. I sat down with...

Episode 9 - Ian McCausland

June 18, 2019 05:00 - 48 minutes - 66.5 MB

Ian McCausland has been a professional photographer for over 31 years. From studying photography in highschool to taking photos for thousands of clients, Ian is one of the best and most respected in the business. A lot can change in an industry in 3 decades, from developing photos in darkrooms to Polaroids to the digital revolution, Ian has been through it all. Aside from his career, he’s also a vocal proponent for positive change in the city. He ran for local office in 2016 and h...

Episode 8 - Joan Blight

June 11, 2019 05:00 - 43 minutes - 59.3 MB

Joan Blight has spent an entire career learning and understanding the importance of strategy in Philanthropy. As president, founder, and managing consultant at her consulting firm Strategic Philanthropy, Joan is one of the leading minds in the philanthropic sector and has an entire career in organizational support, guidance, and fund development across North America. Joan has many accolades and awards for her work with the charitable and non-profit sector, including the 2018 Mani...

Episode 7 - Bruce MacDonald

June 04, 2019 05:00 - 44 minutes - 61.9 MB

Bruce MacDonald has devoted his life and career to social good for over 30 years. Formerly the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada, Bruce has been working with all aspects of the philanthropic sector throughout his career. With Imagine Canada, Bruce works with non-profits and charities to help answer questions and inform the public about the sector through programming and partnerships across the country. I sat down with Bruce to talk about the role of philanthropy in society, t...

Episode 6 - Sister Lesley Sacouman

May 28, 2019 05:00 - 50 minutes - 69.9 MB

Sister Lesley Sacouman has list of community accomplishments and accolades too long to name. She’s the founder of so many programs and organizations in Winnipeg - Holy Names House of Peace, Eagle’s Circle, and Roosbrook House to name just a few. She’s served on boards for many organizations as well, including Esther House, Anishinabe Oway-Ishi, and the Winnipeg Foundation. She also holds an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the University of Winnipeg. But she’s most well- known f...

Episode 5 - Steven Schipper

May 21, 2019 05:00 - 38 minutes - 52.5 MB

30 years is a long time. Steven Schipper took the reins of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre as their Artistic Director back in 1989, and announced his retirement following the 2019 season. Steven is a thoughtful and measured man, and though we started talking about the legacy of Royal MTC under his leadership and how that evolved, the conversation eventually led to the value of art and artistry to society, and the power of theatre to change lives, and even the time he Directed Kea...

Episode 4 - Cynthia Drebot

May 14, 2019 05:00 - 48 minutes - 66.8 MB

Cynthia Drebot was one of the winners of the Winnipeg Foundation’s Fast Pitch 2018 competition, where she shared her story of losing her husband to cancer in just five short months. She has worked in the world of social services for nearly 25 years, and fought for social justice for pretty much her entire life. She is a leader in the not-for-profit sector and is currently Executive Director of the North End Women’s Centre in Winnipeg.

Episode 3 - Ace Burpee

May 07, 2019 05:00 - 48 minutes - 66.5 MB

Ace Burpee is a busy man. You can hear him on the radio nearly every morning and you can see him supporting various causes around the city nearly every night. He’s known for his work ethic and he’s known for supporting people and causes that need help. He’s been a staunch supporter and vocal proponent for Mental health since before it was even a part of the public lexicon.

Episode 2 - Kal Barteski

April 30, 2019 05:00 - 41 minutes - 57.6 MB

Kal Barteski is a philanthropist, author, activist, tactical urbanist, and artist, perhaps best known for her beautiful script as well as her incredible wildlife and polar bear paintings. Kal has been fighting for wildlife, sea ice, and environmental health for years and is an avid supporter of conservation through The Polar Bear Fund. The Fund advocates understanding, management, research, and ultimate conservation of the species.

Episode 1 - Scott Oake

April 23, 2019 05:00 - 55 minutes - 75.7 MB

Scott Oake is an award-winning CBC broadcaster, host of After Hours on Hockey Night in Canada, and has covered 12 different Olympic Games. Scott’s oldest of two sons, Bruce Oake, passed away due to a heroin overdose in 2011. Scott, his wife Anne, and his other son Darcy, have been working toward honouring Bruce’s legacy through the Bruce Oake Foundation and in doing so, created the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, a long-term addictions treatment centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

BeCause & Effect Trailer

April 16, 2019 05:00 - 1 minute - 1.4 MB

A 1 minute trailer for BeCause & Effect, launching April 23, 2019.

Episodes