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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this first episode of a special three-part series with the Guelph Public Library, we explore how libraries are transforming into vital third spaces—offering not just books, but life-saving support, community care, and inclusive spaces for all.
Support Growing Guelph - https://www.patreon.com/growingguelph
Host Jordan Sloggett speaks with Samantha Wellhauser-Bells, Main Library Branch Supervisor at the Guelph Public Library, and Alex Cairney, Outreach Worker with the Welcoming Streets Initiative. Together, they discuss:
This episode highlights the human stories behind public policy, the essential services libraries provide beyond books, and how collaboration can lead to safer, healthier communities.
Samantha Wellhauser-Bells is the Main Library Branch Supervisor at Guelph Public Library. With a background in public service and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, Samantha helps guide the library’s role as a vital, welcoming community space.
Alex Cairney (he/him) is an Outreach Worker with the Welcoming Streets Initiative, where he works to support vulnerable individuals in downtown Guelph. Alex and his team provide compassionate, on-the-ground assistance, de-escalation, and connections to critical services.
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Support Growing Guelph on Patreon - https://patreon.com/growingguelph
Connect with Kendall
On this episode of Growing Guelph, I talk with Kendall Kent — designer, creative thinker, and the heart behind It’s Okay Studio. You’ll hear the story of her Brand Giveaway (where she provides pro bono design support to local businesses doing good) and how that project connects to bigger questions she’s exploring: mental health, creativity, AI, work styles, and how we navigate living and working in Guelph.
We dive into:
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Anna Morozova & Bobby Raffin – Guelph Fashion Week – Stitching Community Together
In this episode, we sit down with Anna Morozova and Bobby Raffin, the duo behind the first-ever Guelph Fashion Week. We talk about what it takes to launch a fashion week in a city known more for its farmers’ market than runways, and how fashion, sustainability, and collaboration are all woven into this new event.
Guelph Fashion week kicks off this week on Thursday Sept 18th.
Links & Mentions:
Guelph Fashion Week on Instagram - http://instagram.com/guelphfashionweek/
Anna Morozova – @iamannamorozova
Anna's Event Agency: @wearenewsociety
Bobby Raffin – @bobbyraffin
Bobby's Shop Three Pieces: @three.pieces.ca
Guelph Fashion Week Tickets:
Eventbrite – Guelph Fashion Week
Media Coverage:
GuelphToday – Guelph is getting its first Fashion Week
Support Growing Guelph on Patreon - https://patreon.com/growingguelph
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Teresa Johnston (co–run director) and her sister Sue Wilkinson (social media & comms) join me on the podcast to share their family’s story and how the Guelph Run for the Cure is growing as it moves to the University of Guelph this October. We cover what event day looks like, why you don’t have to run to take part, and simple ways to register, donate, or volunteer. This year the Guelph Run for the Cure takes place on Sunday October 5th, 2025.
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Episode Description:
In this episode, I sat down with to speak with Randy Freese of the Guelph Indigenous Community Council (GICC) about identity, land, and community. Randy shares his personal journey, the origins and mission of the GICC, and what it means to decolonize spaces and systems in Guelph today.
Whether you’re new to the work of reconciliation or deeply involved in local activism, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of Guelph’s Indigenous landscape.
Links:
Guelph Indigenous Community Council Website: https://gindigenouscc.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GuelphIndigenousCC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gicc_ontario/
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Support Growing Guelph on Patreon!
If you enjoy Growing Guelph and want to help support local storytelling, I’ve launched a Patreon!
For as little as a buck a month, you’ll get early, ad-free episodes, the chance to submit questions for guests, and help shape future topics.
It’s totally optional, but it helps keep this project going — and growing.
👉 Check it out at patreon.com/growingguelph
In this episode, I talk with longtime local advocate P. Brian Skerrett about the vision for a new national urban park on the historic Guelph Reformatory lands. We explore Brian’s deep connection to the site, his work with Heritage Guelph, and the heritage designation under the Ontario Heritage Act that is shaping the future of this space.
We dive into the rich and complex legacy of the reformatory itself, the early roots of judicial reform in Canada, and why preserving this land matters—not just historically, but socially and ecologically. Brian shares his recent work with Guelph Museums, a public exhibit and walking tour, and the collaborative design efforts by Gareth Lind of Lind Design in support of the movement.
Our conversation touches on the evolving relationship with local government, the role of organizations like the Yorklands Green Hub and the Guelph Hiking Trail Club, and the possibility of linking Guelph’s river and green spaces into one connected ecological corridor. We also discuss Indigenous history at the site, the legacy of the “Native Sons,” and broader themes of incarceration and reconciliation in Canada.
As Guelph approaches its bicentennial in 2027, this project offers a chance to reflect on how land, history, and community can come together. We close with a look at how listeners can help support and shape the future of this vital green space.
Links
Urban Park Guelph initiative: urbanparkguelph.com
Brian’s recent walking tour with Guelph Museums: Explore the Reformatory Grounds
Want to help shape future episodes or support the show?
👉 Join the community on Patreon
Thanks for listening to Growing Guelph — where we celebrate the people shaping a stronger, more connected city.
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In this episode, I sat down with Guelph-based singer-songwriter CJ Cooper about the power of music to process emotion, the influence of growing up in Guelph, and how songwriting has evolved in the digital age. We also explore what goes into building a community-centered concert series, as CJ prepares for the third annual Women in Music showcase at Red Brick Café on Aug 2nd 2025.
🎧 Support Growing Guelph on Patreon!
If you enjoy Growing Guelph and want to help support local storytelling, I’ve launched a Patreon!
For as little as a buck a month, you’ll get early, ad-free episodes, the chance to submit questions for guests, and help shape future topics.
It’s totally optional, but it helps keep this project going — and growing.
Check it out at patreon.com/growingguelph
Women in Music Concert
📍 Red Brick Café, Guelph
📅 August 2, 1–4 p.m. 2025
🎟 $10 at the door
Featuring performances by CJ Cooper and musicians Natalie Grace, Mela Bee, Miranda Journey, with proceeds going to Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis.
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In this episode of Growing Guelph, we sit down with Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik—family physician, HIV/AIDS advocate, global health leader, and recent Green Party candidate in the 2025 federal election. Dr. Zajdlik shares stories from her early days treating patients during the HIV/AIDS crisis in Guelph, founding the region’s first HIV clinic, and launching the Bracelet of Hope campaign that raised over $1 million to combat HIV in Lesotho.
🎧 Support Growing Guelph on Patreon!
If you enjoy Growing Guelph and want to help support local storytelling, I’ve launched a Patreon!
For as little as a buck a month, you’ll get early, ad-free episodes, the chance to submit questions for guests, and help shape future topics.
It’s totally optional, but it helps keep this project going — and growing.
Check it out at patreon.com/growingguelph
In this episodes conversation we talk about what it means to respond to a health crisis with compassion, what society has (and hasn’t) learned from past pandemics, and how those lessons shape her approach to politics and community care today. Dr. Zajdlik reflects on her entry into the political arena, why the Green Party aligns with her values, and even hints at a possible run for mayor of Guelph.
This conversation explores the intersections of health, leadership, and history—and invites listeners to consider what it really means to build a resilient, caring city.
Topics We Cover:
🌱 Learn More Links:
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In this episode of Growing Guelph, I sit down with Stephanie Scapinello, founder of Strawberry Sunshine — a handmade candle business that has grown into a community hub for makers, artists, and dreamers in Guelph.
🎧 Support Growing Guelph on Patreon!
If you enjoy Growing Guelph and want to help support local storytelling, I’ve launched a Patreon!
For as little as a buck a month, you’ll get early, ad-free episodes, the chance to submit questions for guests, and help shape future topics.
It’s totally optional, but it helps keep this project going — and growing.
Check it out at patreon.com/growingguelph
In this episode we explore how Stephanie discovered her creative drive during the pandemic and turned it into a thriving business. She shares how her background in finance helped turn her dream into a reality, the importance of local support, and all the help she received along the way. We also dig into how she creates a platform for other artisans through shared space and workshops, her ancestral connection to candle-making, and the deep sense of purpose she’s found in giving back to Guelph.
Whether you’re a maker, entrepreneur, or just curious about what fuels small business owners in this city, Stephanie’s story is an inspiring reminder of the power of community, creativity, and courage.
Links from the episode:
🔗 Strawberry Sunshine on Guelph Shops
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In this episode of Growing Guelph, host Jordan Sloggett is joined by Grace Sant, Host Farms, Outreach and Education Manager at the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada. Grace offers a deep and heartfelt look into the world of donkeys—exploring why these often-misunderstood animals need sanctuary, how they differ from horses and mules, and what it takes to care for them with compassion and respect.
We dive into:
Whether you're an animal lover or just curious about a hidden gem in our region, this episode is full of inspiring insights and a few surprises from the world of donkeys.
🗓️ Correction on the date for PACE—it's September 28th, not the 29th."
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In this episode, host Jordan Sloggett talks with Samantha Hicks and Kriti Murthy from the Guelph Climate Action Network (GCAN) about the emotional side of climate work—and how community, empathy, and education play key roles in moving from awareness to action.
We explore GCAN’s two key programs:
🌍 Climate Fresk – a collaborative, science-based workshop that breaks down the complexities of climate change
🌀 Climate Circles – a space for people to process the emotions that come with climate grief, anxiety, and hope
Kriti and Sam share their personal motivations, the importance of caring deeply, and how GCAN is building a more connected and climate-conscious Guelph.
Links & Resources:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode I'm speaking to Glynis Hamilton, Principal and Founder of the Montessori School of Wellington, and Rayna Lew, Office Administrator—and Glynis' daughter. Together, they offer a unique look inside this long-standing Montessori school in Guelph.
We talk about what sets Montessori education apart, how it fosters independence and lifelong learning, and what it’s like to run a school as a mother-daughter team. Whether you're a parent, educator, or just curious about alternative education models, this conversation offers thoughtful insight into a cornerstone of the Guelph-Wellington learning community.
Learn more about the Montessori School of Wellington:
Find the school on the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators website:
https://www.ccma.ca/schools/montessori-school-of-wellington
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In this episode of Growing Guelph, host Jordan Sloggett sits down with Nathan Skoufis, a 23-time world martial arts champion and the owner of Guelph Family Martial Arts. Nathan shares his journey from starting martial arts at a young age to becoming an international champion. He discusses how martial arts instilled values of discipline and leadership, leading him to open a dojo that serves as a community hub in Guelph. Nathan also talks about his commitment to making self-defence accessible, especially for women and youth, and how martial arts can be a tool for building resilience and confidence.
Learn more about Nathan's work and programs at Guelph Family Martial Arts: https://www.guelphfamilymartialarts.com/
Follow Guelph Family Martial Arts on social media for updates and community events:
Don't forget to follow Growing Guelph on social media to stay connected with future episodes and local stories.
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This week on the Growing Guelph Podcast, we're joined by Conor Russell and Morgan Dandie—two local organizers helping to launch Resistance and Resilience Guelph, a community-rooted initiative responding to the challenges of economic uncertainty, social inequality, and political instability. Together, we explore their journeys into community work, the vision behind this new effort, and what it means to build a crisis-ready Guelph grounded in care, collaboration, and hope.
Thursday, June 19 - Elbows Up/Resistance Tour | Charlie Angus - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elbows-upresistance-tour-charlie-angus-tickets-1363680457959?fbclid=IwY2xjawKjduVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHib51KAX_1PFz5Vkdgud2iJ2mKs1h638SePNRgJU3XiqH84QC1c7zdAnw9Af_aem_mVHxDHrmgP8pOZPe4fGQmQ
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In this episode of Growing Guelph, I sat down with Dominique O’Rourke, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Guelph. Dominique shares the personal story behind her entry into politics, from her early days as a city councillor to her new role representing our community on the national stage. We discuss the values that drive her, the lessons she’s bringing with her from municipal service, and her vision for Guelph’s future.
🔗 Follow Dominique O’Rourke
Twitter/X: @ORourke4Guelph
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In this episode, I sat down with Anna Schwanke—known online as @thezerowastegryphon. Anna is a passionate advocate for accessible, joyful sustainability. Anna shares her journey into the zero-waste lifestyle, emphasizing that sustainability isn't about perfection but about making meaningful, manageable changes. Anna highlights the importance of community support, both online and in Guelph, and offers practical advice for those looking to start their own sustainability journey. Her insights remind us that every small step contributes to a larger impact.
Links & Resources:
Topics Covered:
Don't forget to rate and review!
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Matt Ryder is the founder behind FTI Studios in Guelph, and he might be among the most unrelentingly positive and collaborative Guelphites that I've had the privilege of speaking to on the Growing Guelph podcast.
In our long discussion, we talk about what motivates Matt to lift up fellow creators as part of From the Inside Studios, and the community of musicians and artists he's gathered together with his optimistic attitude.
FTI Links:
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Lynn Broughton from Taste Detours joins me on Growing Guelph this week. Lynn shares her wealth of knowledge all about Guelph's food scene - and the career she's established on giving personalized food tours in the city. Lynn started Taste Detours as a means of championing and elevating food people and places through exploration and connection.
Links:
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This week on Growing Guelph is my conversation with John Galbraith and Dakota Pitz. John is the creator of Doll haus events, and Dakota is a Guelph Real Estate Agent, Sponsor and judge of the DollHous event series happening right now called Guelph’s Next Drag Superstar. In our conversation we talk about hosting LGBTQ events in Guelph, and how supportive of drag related events the Guelph community is.
Links:
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.