Episode 3: Being a Kid in Calgary

When Ukrainian refugees Elena and Mike Datso came to Canada in March of 2023, it was to provide their children with a safe and stable future. In this personal and inspiring discussion, Elena and Mike discuss their first six months in Calgary -- the challenges they've overcome, the surprising differences between Ukraine and Canada, and what they love about their new home.

In January of 2018, Sue Glanville and her husband Pete received the shocking news that their two-year-old son Eddie had a cancerous brain tumour.In this deeply personal and heartfelt conversation, Sue discusses her family's journey over the past five years. It's a truly inspiring story of great courage, faith, and love.

Marilyn Dyck has spent many years building stronger communities and helping young people. She is the co-founder and former director of The Doorway, which helps homeless youth in Calgary.

In this deeply thoughtful and surprising conversation with freelance journalist Dan Kostka, Marilyn discusses how the concept of belonging is essential if we're to build stronger communities, especially for our young people.

Freelance journalist Dan Kostka speaks with Kathleen Phelan, a veteran performer at the Loose Moose Theatre in Calgary, Alberta, about the performances and courses they offer. Dan and Kat explore what improvisational theatre can offer individuals and communities in terms of connection, creativity, confidence, and fun.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, thousands of Ukrainian women and children immediately fled to neighbouring countries. Many people in those countries leapt into action to assist the refugees, including Dan Kostka, who was visiting family in Slovakia at the time.

Community organizer Ryan McAuley interviews Dan about what prompted him to make multiple trips to the Ukrainian border to assist refugees, how his upbringing in Alberta laid the foundations for those efforts, and how his experiences inspired Dan to make changes to his own life back in Canada.

A fascinating and wide-ranging discussion with Sensei John Hanratty, 8th Dan, founder of the Canadian Shotokan Karate Association and head instructor at the Shi-Ku-Kai dojo in Calgary, Alberta.

Sensei Hanratty discusses his experiences teaching karate around the world, the philosophy behind karate training, what it means to develop one's personal potential, and much more.

Freelance journalist Dan Kostka speaks with Yusuke Hyogo, an immigration consultant in Calgary, about his decision to emigrate from Japan to Canada. They discuss the role that Yusuke's love of the mountains played in that decision and how his own immigration experiences inspired him to assist others hoping to make Canada their home.

Dan interviews his four-year-old son Sammy and learns how Calgary can be better for kids, how parents can be better parents, and what a monkey says when it steps on a hot sidewalk.

A fun and lighthearted discussion of the stereotypes, and the highlights, of living in Calgary.

Freelance journalist Dan Kostka shares some memories and laughs with his good friend Joseph Garzon. Joe is currently in Regina, where he grew up, but he spent a number of years in Calgary. The time away has given him a fresh perspective on the city's strengths, as well as some of its weaknesses.

A thoughtful conversation about what it takes to connect with homeless youth and give them the support and inspiration they need to make positive changes in their life.

Freelance journalist Dan Kostka interviews Ryan McAuley, youth engagement coordinator at The Doorway, which helps homeless youth in Calgary.

You can learn more about The Doorway at www.thedoorway.ca