Ampersand

As communicators trying to effect progressive change, our work often requires us to take on projects that are surrounded by deep trauma.

At Emdash we’ve had the honour of working on projects involving residential school Survivors and families impacted by gender-based violence. Through this work we’ve learned the need to communicate with respect, sensitivity, and tact.

In this episode of Ampersand, we’re joined by Brenda Reynolds (Mental Health Consultant and Former Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Health Support Liaison) and Brenda Gunn (Academic and Research Director for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation) for a deeply-needed discussion about the importance of taking a trauma-informed approach to projects such as these.

Content warning: This episode discusses residential schools and residential school Survivors, which we know are painful topics for many. For immediate emotional support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Survivors and their families are encouraged to contact the National Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. Indigenous peoples can also access the Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 for toll-free, 24/7 counselling and crisis intervention.

This episode is dedicated to the Indian Residential School Survivors' Society.

If you’d like to support their work, the best way you can do so is through a donation if you’re able.

This podcast is a project of Emdash, the small agency focused on big impact helping progressives be heard.

The idea of clean energy is nothing new — the Pembina Institute has been at the centre of the conversation around the energy transition in Canada since the 1980s.

In this episode of Ampersand we sit down with Laurence Miall, Pembina Institute’s communications manager. He works to get the word out about Pembina’s policy work dedicated to reducing emissions in Canada's communities.

Working at an established organization doesn’t make it any easier to go viral though, and we touch on the current challenges Pembina faces to break through bias in the media and ensure its research and analysis reaches policymakers, business leaders and the wider public.

This podcast is a project of Emdash, the small agency focused on big impact helping progressives be heard.

Populist rhetoric and right wing talking points have been migrating north of the US-Canadian border since before Trump’s re-election. What can us Canadians in the for-good space do about it?

In this episode of Ampersand, we sit down with Fae Johnstone, the Executive Director of the Society of Queer Momentum, to discuss strategies to bridge the rapidly widening political divide.

Fae draws on her experience as an award winning, stubborn powerhouse trans activist, challenging governments and institutions at all levels to address the multitude of crises facing women, 2SLGBTQ+ people and trans folks.

With a federal election on the horizon in Canada next year, it’s more important than ever to come together, hear each other out, push back and protect our democracy.

This podcast is a project of Emdash, the small agency focused on big impact helping progressives be heard.

How do you make infrastructure interesting? You tell the stories of the people using the infrastructure.

In this episode of Ampersand, we sit down with Elizabeth Shilts, the Director of Communications at the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). Elizabeth shares her perspective on the evolving role of communication in advancing Canada's research and innovation ecosystem. From navigating complex narratives to fostering transparency and public trust, her expertise provides invaluable insights for changemakers and communication professionals alike. Tune in to discover how strategic storytelling can amplify impact and drive meaningful conversations in the science and research landscape.

This podcast is a project of Emdash, the small agency focused on big impact helping progressives be heard.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to lead the communications team for Canada’s largest international conservation organization?

In this episode of Ampersand, we have the pleasure of speaking with Nicole MacAdam, Vice President Communications at World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada). Nicole is an award-winning communications executive with a proven track record of professional excellence and a passion for innovative digital storytelling. She gives us the inside scoop on how WWF-Canada comes up with some of their most creative ideas — like their campaign to turn down the volume on underwater noise.

This podcast is a project of Emdash, the small agency focused on big impact helping progressives be heard.