Episodes
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Our guest today is Leah Reesor-Keller. She is a speaker, leadership consultant, Transitional Executive Director of KAIROS Canada, and now - an author. We sat down to discuss her debut book, Tending Tomorrow: Courageous Change for People and Planet.
If you’re looking for the one magic bullet solution that will fix everything for everyone, this is not the book for you. Leah calls for us to make room for all the ways each of us as individuals, as communities, as societies and beyond, can do our part in working for a better future.
Pre-order Tending Tomorrow here or at your local bookshop! Available for sale on June 25, 2024.
Transcription here.
Discussion resource here.
Undercurrents would not be without the amazing support from Kindred Credit Union.
Editing support from Christen Kong
Theme song by Brian MacMillan
Artwork by Jesse Bergen
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Happy Earth Day, Undercurrents listeners! Today, we're sharing an episode from our sister podcast, Relief Development & Podcast, produced by my amazing colleagues Meghan Mast and Christy Kauffman. We hear from Dr. Sibonokuhle Ncube who says climate change chose her since she learned as a child that people in her rural village in Zimbabwe suffered from drought and hunger. But today she doesn't focus on all that is broken and what to fear, she focuses her energy on working towards a better future.
Undercurrents is produced with support from Kindred Credit Union.
Original music: Brian MacMillan
Artwork: Jesse Bergen
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Missing episodes?
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In the second part of our mini-series on affordable housing, we hear from Beyond Housing executive director Dan Driedger - the single greatest challenge to building, the role of the private sector, stories from tenants, and more. Plus, a big life update from a previous Undercurrents guest!
Read the transcript.
Download the small group discussion guide.
Advocacy actions:
1. Say Yes to Fair Rents! - Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario - ACTO
2. Take Action: More Urgency on Housing Affordability - The National Housing Accord: A Multi-Sector Approach to Ending Canada’s Rental Housing Crisis
Provincial and federal governments waive HST on development of purpose-built rental housing - CBC
Produced with support from Kindred Credit Union.
Editorial support: Christen Kong
Original music: Brian MacMillan
Artwork: Jesse Bergen
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We sit down with MCC's Ontario advocacy guru Greg deGroot-Maggetti as he breaks down our affordable housing crisis: where we are, how we got here, and three (of many) solutions. Advocacy actions:
1. Say Yes to Fair Rents! - Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario - ACTO
2. Take Action: More Urgency on Housing Affordability - The National Housing Accord: A Multi-Sector Approach to Ending Canada’s Rental Housing Crisis
Comprehensive explanation of rent control:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/how-does-rent-control-in-ontario-work-1.6978670
Produced with support from Kindred Credit Union.
Editorial support: Christen Kong
Original music: Brian MacMillan
Artwork: Jesse Bergen
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In light of the horrific ongoing violence in Palestine and Israel, we are re-posting this episode from Season 1, called “David and Goliath” featuring Palestinian Christian Tarek Al-Zoughbi and Israeli Jew Sahar Vardi.
What happens when David becomes Goliath? This is our only international episode in Season 1. We explore the tragic realities of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation, and hear from those on both sides of the wall working for peace.
What can you do?
When confronted with the enormity of this story, we might feel angry, dispairing, or helpless. Here are a few action items for you to do to work toward Palestinian justice:
Advocate:
Sign this petition. Call for a ceasefire and end to violence in Palestine and Israel.
Sign this petition. No Way To Treat A Child Canada - "I urge you to prioritize human rights of Palestinian children and hold Israeli authorities accountable for widespread and systematic ill-treatment and torture of Palestinian child detainees. "
Donate:
Support MCC's humanitarian relief response in Palestine and Israel.
Pray:
Click here to read or download this beautiful prayer for peace for Palestinians and Israelis.
Links:
A Cry For Home - a rich resource of stories from Palestinians and Jews living in Palestine and Israel.
Wi’am: The Palestinian Conflict Transformation Centre, where Tareq Al-Zougbi works.
US Congressional Research Service report on Israel - detailing US military aid to Israel over the years.
Credits:
Theme song and other original music from Brian MacMillan.
Artwork by Jesse Bergen.
Licensed music from deWolfe Music.
Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union.
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In light of the horrific ongoing violence in Palestine and Israel, we are re-posting this episode from Season 2, called “Home” with Israeli Jewish filmmaker Lia Tarachansky and Palestinian poet Izzy Hawamda. It's a powerful story of shared humanity, shared land, and a challenge for all of us who live on settled land.
Urgent calls for a ceasefire in Palestine and Israel:
mcc.org/ceasefire (Canada)
change.org/ceasefirenow
A link to Lia Tarachensky’s feature film “On the side of the road” where she explores Israeli soldiers’ collective denial of their roles in displacing Palestinians.
https://vimeo.com/117772052
A link to Lia’s short film OCEAN which juxtaposed raw audio from her field recordings of the 2014 Gaza War, with images from her new life in Toronto: https://vimeo.com/181224988
MCC’s A Cry For Home campaign which is packed with stories, videos, fact sheets, and more:
https://mcccanada.ca/learn/where/middle-east/palestine-israel/cry-for-home
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"Water is life." Indigenous Water Walker Mary Anne Caibaiosai takes us on a 200 km journey of prayer, solidarity and celebration.
Transcript here.
To learn more about the Grand River Water Walk, go to grandriverwaterwalk.com
Produced with support from Kindred Credit Union.
Editorial support: Christen Kong
Original music: Brian MacMillan
Artwork: Jesse Bergen
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"We must own the whole story." How a former residential school worker wrestles with his past and how his story challenges all of us beyond our good intentions. Powerful listening for all settlers on this land we call Canada.
Transcription can be found here.
Show notes:
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419.
Kid’s Help Phone line 24/7: 1-800-668-6868
https://kidshelpphone.ca/
Merle Nisly’s reaction to the uncovering of 215 Indigenous children in Kamloops. https://mnisly.com/the-impact-of-215/
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation resource:
https://mcc.org/resources/national-day-truth-and-reconciliation
TRC 94 Calls to Action:
http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf
Justice Sinclair: “TRC One Year Later”
https://youtu.be/_MhqF4yeSXo?t=241
“Change may not look like what you thought it would”
CBC - news: “Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKKLgwlosaw
Some history of Northern Light Gospel Missions and Poplar Hill
https://ontariomennonitehistory.org/2015/06/08/ontario-mennonites-and-the-poplar-hill-development-school/
Canadian Mennonite series: https://canadianmennonite.org/articles/how-complicit-are-mennonites-residential-school-abuse
“A first step towards healing” - Personal reflection on the first TRC event (June 2010)
https://canadianmennonite.org/articles/first-step-towards-healing
“MC Canada shares the pain of Indian Residential School legacy” - A report on discussions at MC Canada Assembly 2010 https://canadianmennonite.org/articles/mc-canada-shares-pain-indian-residential-school-legacy
Credits:
Edited by Christen Kong
Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music
Production Research by Seun Olowo-Ake
Original music by Brian MacMillan
Artwork by Jesse Bergen -
This episode is from Season 1 and originally aired in spring of 2020. We learn about the oldest Residential School in Canada and hear a powerful story from a survivor. We hear from settlers who are wrestling with the legacy of colonialism and residential schools. And we hear from Indigenous partners who are courageously reclaiming their culture.
Transcription can be found here
Links:
Woodland Cultural Centre’s Save The Evidence campaign.
VIDEO: Sandy Yuen and Nick Hamm share about their experience learning from indigenous leaders and working at the Mohawk Institute Residential School.
VIDEO: Karen Hill shares part of her story as a survivor of Mohawk Institute Residential School along with visuals of the Mohawk building looks like, inside and out.
Learn more about MCC’s Indigenous Neighbours program
Deeper reading (which we will be getting into more in Season 2!)
Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.
Statement from Mennonite Church Leaders in response to TRC.
Credits:Theme song and other original music from Brian MacMillan.
Artwork by Jesse Bergen.
Licensed music from deWolfe Music.
Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union.
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Since 1979, hundreds of thousands of refugees have been sponsored, resettled, and built new lives in communities across Canada. Countless tears of happiness have been shed, countless Canadian flags have been waved, and countless cross-cultural meals have been shared. But, as we'll hear from one sponsorship group, there’s a whole lot more to it than that. If you are interested or have any questions about refugee sponsorship, email [email protected].
Transcription here.
Read "Consider it (re)settled", a rich behind-the-scenes look at how MCC pioneered the world's first private refugee sponsorship program.
Discussion resource can be found at mcco.ca/undercurrents.
Credits:
Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union
Editorial assistance by Christen Kong
Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music
Original music by Brian MacMillan
Artwork by Jesse Bergen -
We're back at the auctions. But instead of being surrounded by children with pie in their hair, like at the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale featured in Episode 16, I’m with farmers with manure on their boots. This is bonus mini-episode that book-ends Season 3 which started with an exploration of the Relief Sale. We explore the mysterious Heifer Sale, get a crash course in dairy farming and how a group of farmers created something truly unique 41 years ago.
Transcription is here.
More stories of creative ways to support the work of MCC:
Small scale with big impact - Norm & Sharon Ewert renovate intricate wooden dollhouses as MCC fundraiser
From troublemaker to tractor whisperer - Jerry Toews in Kansas restores all kinds of mechanical vehicles to be auctioned at relief sales.
Quilting for peace - Hedy Kopeschny and others at Niagara United Mennonite Church hosted a quilting event to support relief efforts in Ukraine.
Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union
Edited by Christen Kong
Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music
Original music by Brian MacMillan
Artwork by Jesse Bergen -
In this very special episode, we sit down with best-selling author, public speaker, podcast wizard, and honorary Mennonite, Malcolm Gladwell. We cover a lot of ground - from pacifism, to soccer, to climate change, and more.
Listen to Malcolm Gladwell's podcast Revisionist History here.
Watch the Tottenham Hotspur 48-pass goal here.
Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union
Produced with help from Christen Kong.
Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music
Original music by Brian MacMillan
Artwork by Jesse Bergen -
"Somebody has to do something. It's crazy that we've got people that want to work and there is no job."
We talk with Suzi and Lucas, two soup chefs who have found meaningful work, #livingwage and a welcoming community at The Raw Carrot. We also hear from The Raw Carrot co-found Rebecca Sherbino. Find out how one bowl of soup can change the world.
The Raw Carrot https://therawcarrot.com/
How to Buy Soup https://therawcarrot.com/where-to-buy/
Raw Carrot Volunteer https://therawcarrot.com/get-involved/volunteer-with-raw-carrot/
Open Letter: Premiere Ford, Double Social Assistance Rates Now! https://incomesecurity.org/open-letter-premier-ford-double-social-assistance-rates-now/
Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union
Edited by Christen Kong
Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music
Original music by Brian MacMillan
Artwork by Jesse Bergen -
In Season 2, Ep 8 ("Home") of Undercurrents, we were privileged to hear the poetry of Palestinian poet and teacher Izzeddin Hawamda. We had so much positive feedback from Izzy's poems that I invited Izzy back to share a new poem he wrote while visiting his home in the West Bank earlier this year, as well as new insights into life for Palestinians under occupation.
For more stories from Palestine and Israel and ways in which you can work for peace and justice there, go to A Cry For Home, a robust resource from MCC.
Check out and consider signing a petition to Israeli detention of Palestinian children in military prisons. #NoWayToTreatAChild
Sign the pledge to come Together Against Apartheid, created by Jewish, Palestinian, and fellow advocates for justice in Palestine and Israel.
Thanks to Kindred Credit Union for helping to make this episode possible.
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This is a special episode - a conversation between the Undercurrents team Ken Ogasawara and Christen Kong about their shared experience of doing the SALT program nearly 20 years apart. Some hard times, some funny times, and always a good time.
To learn more about the SALT program, go here: mcco.ca/SALT
To hear directly from more SALTers living in their placements, go here: SALT videos
Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union
Produced and edited by Christen Kong
Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music
Original music by Brian MacMillan
Artwork by Jesse Bergen -
"I had to take my own leadership and not everybody was happy about that, let me tell you."
In the newest episode of Undercurrents, Colleen Hookimaw shows us the lay of the (physical and metaphorical) land. We talk smoked geese, 5000 pounds of potatoes and maggots. We also explore historical challenges to Indigenous food sovereignty in Canada.
Transcription can be found here.
Read Bill Louttit's story here: https://mcccanada.ca/stories/why-living-land-crucial-nearly-impossible-do
Discussion resource can be found at mcco.ca/undercurrents.
Credits:
Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union
Editorial assistance by Christen Kong
Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music
Original music by Brian MacMillan
Artwork by Jesse Bergen -
A mystery caller provides some more behind-the-scenes insight into the thrilling quilt auction profiled in Episode 16 - Bidder Sweet: A Quilt to Remember.
See you at the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale on Friday May 27th and Saturday June 28th! nhmrs.com
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We go back in time to investigate the heart-pounding, sweaty-palm-inducing thrill of the greatest quilt auction ever caught on tape. Join us for a fun bonus episode of Undercurrents that will whet your appetite for the coming relief sale season!
Transcription can be found here.
Here is a link to the original auction footage. Thank you to Jennifer Johnston for recording and uploading!
Check out all things New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale at their website here, including a photo of the Renske’s newest (and last) feature quilt.
Here is link to all the relief sales in Canada and US!
Renske Helmuth’s blog has plenty of insight into her quilts, including a whole section on her relief sale quilts (this is not updated but still a rich resource).
Credits:
Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union
Editorial assistance by Christen Kong
Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music
Original music by Brian MacMillan
Artwork by Jesse Bergen -
Welcome to a third season of Undercurrents!
We go behind the scenes of an epic quilt auction, to South Africa with the SALT program, we dig into Indigenous food sovereignty, and much more.
This season we’re excited to be adding something new with each episode. We heard from many of you who were using Undercurrents in group sessions like church Sunday schools and community outreach events. To help you out with that, starting with episode 2 on Indigenous food sovereignty, we’ll be including a resource package with each episode complete with discussion questions and action items.
Undercurrents is sponsored by Kindred Credit Union. Find Undercurrents wherever you listen to podcasts and look for our first episode of Season 3 which drops on April 4th.
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Why MCC's relief materials are created as gifts and how one such hand-made item changed the life of one young girl in a refugee camp over forty years ago.
Impact report for Material Resource volunteers:
https://mcccanada.ca/learn/about/annual-reports/impact-report-material-resources-summer-2021
New! MCC’s Dignity Kits:
Provide sustainable support for vulnerable women and girls!
https://mcccanada.ca/dignity-kits
Story of MR champions at Grantham MB Church:
https://mcccanada.ca/stories/its-privilege-joy-serve-way
Credits:
Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union
Editorial assistance by Christen Kong
Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music
Original music by Brian MacMillan
Artwork by Jesse Bergen - Show more
