BIGGER THAN ME PODCAST

Chief Willie Sellers of Williams Lake First Nation discusses Indian Residential Schools, the harmony of cultural preservation with community advancement and reflects on his reconciliation efforts, in an enlightening interview with Aaron Pete.

Willie Sellars, from Williams Lake, BC and a member of the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) of the Secwepemc Nation, became one of the youngest elected Councillors in WLFN history at 24 and, after a decade on Council, was elected Chief in 2018. Previously a Wildland Firefighter and later the Special Project Coordinator in the WLFN Economic Development Department, Willie managed new business initiatives and community consultations. He is also an award-nominated author of "Dipnetting with Dad" and the upcoming "Hockey with Dad."

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Join us as we explore Métis culture with Jean Teillet, an influential advocate and descendant of Louis Riel, who intertwines her legal expertise and artistic passion in championing Indigenous rights. In this conversation, Jean delves into the Métis' rich history, their fight for recognition, and how recent legal victories are shaping their path toward self-governance, offering insights into her book, "The Northwest is Your Mother," and the vibrant future of Métis advocacy.

Jean Teillet, now retired and named Emeritus Counsel at Pape Salter Teillet LLP, is renowned for her pivotal role in Indigenous rights litigation, including R. v. Powley, and her contributions to Métis and First Nation communities, along with receiving numerous accolades such as the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Cross and authoring "The North-West is Our Mother."

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Join Aaron Pete and Evan Solomon as they delve into the transformative role of media, exploring the evolution from the printing press to digital platforms, the power of narrative control, and the dynamics of Canadian political discourse, highlighting Solomon's transition from digital media pioneer to influential geopolitical analyst and the critical role of curiosity and debate in molding society.

Evan Solomon, a seasoned journalist and author with a career spanning digital media, political reporting, and television hosting, including CTV's Power Play and Question Period, now leads GZERO Media and contributes to Eurasia Group's management. His work, from hosting national political programs to writing award-nominated books on energy and food crises, reflects a deep engagement with global politics and societal issues, balanced by personal interests in music, sports, and family life as a McGill University alumnus and parent.

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Candace Malcolm, founder of True North Media, discusses independent media, politics, drug decriminalization, and gender representation, advocating for nuanced discourse on Indian Residential Schools and debating the topic with Aaron Pete. 

Candice Malcolm, an investigative journalist, best-selling author, and nationally syndicated Toronto Sun columnist, is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of True North. With a history of reporting from conflict zones and uncovering significant terrorist networks within Canada, her work has garnered global attention. A Vancouver, BC native, Candice holds two master's degrees and resides in Toronto with her family.

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Sara Kuburic shares her journey of self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, personal responsibility, and the impact of key questions on personal growth, while host Aaron Pete moves the conversation towards understanding the essence of living a fulfilling life.

Dr. Sara Kuburic, also known as the @millennial.therapist on Instagram, is an existential psychotherapist, consultant, and author of the book IT'S ON ME.  A former columnist for USA Today, she is driven by a passion to help individuals embrace change and lead lives that are authentic, free, and meaningful. Drawing on her own experiences of living through wars and navigating complex relationships, Sara is deeply invested in exploring and understanding the intricacies of human existence.

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Canadian journalist Vassy Kapelos joins Aaron Pete to discuss her path into journalism, passion for politics, the importance of balanced reporting, and her expertise in navigating challenging interviews with political figures.

Vassy Kapelos, based in Ottawa, is currently hosting CTV's "Question Period," "Power Play," and the national radio program "The Vassy Kapelos Show" on iHeartRadio Canada. With a career highlighted by multiple awards including two Canadian Screen Awards, she has extensive experience in political coverage, having previously hosted CBC's "Power & Politics" and served as Global News’ Ottawa Bureau Chief.

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Bingx shares his raw and harrowing journey to musical success with host Aaron Pete. From overcoming personal struggles with Tourette's, OCD, and addiction, to transforming these challenges into artistic strength. Bingx takes us on a walkthrough of his audio engineering techniques and shares key insights on the complexities of the music industry.

Seattle-born rapper and vocalist Bingx, also known as Chanler Hendrickson, melds his love for hip-hop's lyrical finesse with the deep emotions of grunge in his music, drawing influence from a diverse range of artists including 50 Cent and Third Eye Blind. Bingx has over 100,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and over 27,000 subscribers on YouTube.

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Join Dan Oostenbrink and Aaron Pete on a journey into sustainable farming, exploring the intersection of biodiversity, soil health, and community-driven agriculture for a healthier world.

Dan Oostenbrink, co-operator of The Local Harvest Market, combines his educational background with a passion for regenerative farming, producing a diverse range of crops using no-till methods. His decade-long journey in organic gardening is driven by a commitment to healthy soils, nutrient-dense foods, and the belief in building resilient communities through sustainable agriculture.

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Discover the secrets of economic success of the Osoyoos First Nation with Chief Clarence Louie and host Aaron Pete. Chief Louie delves into the history of Native people's work ethic, leadership, tradition, and modern entrepreneurship.

Chief Clarence Louie is the Chief of the Osoyoos First Nation in British Columbia, renowned for his transformative leadership in Indigenous economic development. A visionary leader, he has been instrumental in fostering entrepreneurship and self-reliance within his community, emphasizing the importance of hard work and cultural preservation.

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Join Aaron Pete as he sits down with UFC bantamweight Aiemann Zahabi. Fresh from his victory at UFC 289 in Vancouver, Zahabi reveals his combat strategies and discusses his approach to personal goals. Tune in to hear about effective New Year's resolutions, innovative weight loss methods, the benefits of fasting and cold plunges, and maintaining motivation. This episode is a unique blend of professional sports insights and personal wellness advice.

Join the Juji Club: https://www.jujiclub.com/en-ca

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Tune in for a holiday-packed episode where we journey through eggnog aging with "sugar bug" Aaron Pete, reminisce about our fiery hot sauce challenge, delve into the heart of Christmas traditions and the meaning of gift-giving, share personal stories about supporting cancer research, and wrap up with an animated chat on Christmas movies, potential fasting challenges, and the intricacies of Christmas music, all steeped in the true spirit of the festive season.

Help Tim Raise Money for Cancer Research:
https://tourdecure.ca/participant/1736/1053/

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Aaron chats with JZAC about his love for hip-hop, Polish background, and how he comes up with his lyrics. They dive into how wrestling mixes with music, chat about what freestyle in hip-hop really means, and get into the nitty-gritty of making music while juggling the creative and business sides. Plus, they'll talk about JZAC's album 'It's Still Real To Me, Damn It!'

Jerry Zajac, known as JZAC, is a New Hampshire-born rapper with Polish immigrant roots. Renowned for his authentic storytelling and sharp lyrics, he first gained online fame with his viral freestyles in 2016. Now a prominent figure in hip-hop and based in Los Angeles, JZAC has produced four albums, with his latest work, "It's Still Real To Me, Damn It," highlighting his dynamic artistry.

Listen to JZAC here: https://www.youtube.com/@JZACMusic

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Join host Aaron Peep and singer-songwriter Rebecca Sichon from Mission, BC, as they explore her musical journey, the challenges of the music industry, and enjoy a live performance in a conversation that promises to inspire and enlighten.

Canadian singer-songwriter Rebecca Sichon showcases her expanding musical talent in her 2021 EP "Dream Book," where her love for modern R&B and exceptional vocal skills shine through in tracks like “Innocence” and “Our Garden.” A rising star since childhood, Rebecca's journey has seen her evolve from singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" at age five to winning multiple Fraser Valley Music Awards and collaborating with notable artists, poised for a breakout in the global music scene.

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Have you ever wondered what makes whiskey so distinct and unique? Let me take you on a trip down the whiskey lane with none other than Matthew James of Whiskey on the West Coast. This episode, packed with insights and intriguing facts, peels back the layers on the world of whiskey, starting from the stories behind Matthew's successful YouTube channel.

As we journey through the rich history of whiskey, we uncover the intricate differences between bourbon and whiskey, Canadian whiskey, and the complexities of rye whiskey varieties. We delve into whiskey production practices and how they influence the taste of this timeless drink. From discussing whiskey filtration to tasting various brands, the episode holds a wealth of information for both seasoned whiskey enthusiasts and novice sippers. Matthew enlightens us about the regulations around Canadian whiskey and how the process of chill filtering impacts the quality of the drink.

The latter half of the conversation focuses on the influence of marketing on whiskey and the importance of not judging a whiskey by its label. Does the soil type where the whiskey is grown affect its flavor? Can celebrity endorsements sway perceptions? As we mull over these questions, Matthew provides a hands-on guide on how to properly taste and enjoy whiskey. We also debate the concept of terroir in whiskey, testing its validity. Whether you're a whiskey aficionado or a curious beginner, this episode takes you one step closer to becoming a true whiskey connoisseur. So, pour yourself a glass and join us. Cheers!

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Ariel Helwani, the premier voice in sports journalism, along with Aaron, delves into insights from his career, the art of storytelling, and the motivating journeys of prominent fighters like Corey Sandhagen, Israel Adesanya, Alexander 'The Great' Volkanovski, and Conor McGregor, all while emphasizing the importance of trust, resilience, and emotional connection in the world of sports reporting.

Ariel Helwani is a prominent Canadian sports journalist celebrated for his extensive coverage of the UFC and the broader world of MMA. Born in Montreal, Ariel has been at the forefront of MMA journalism, hosting shows like "The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani." His insightful interviews and in-depth analyses have solidified his reputation as a leading voice in the sport.

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School psychologist and "Wonder Pup" series author Angela Murphy discusses the overlooked struggles of the 'class clown', the rise in student mental health concerns post-pandemic, and the benefits of animal therapy and self-care, drawing from her personal experiences and insights from her books.

Angela Murphy is an author, educator, school psychologist and Complex Trauma Resource's Director of School Programs. Angela completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Dalhousie University, and later completed a B.Ed. degree from the University of Calgary (U of C). Next, she completed a Master's degree in Child and Applied Psychology from the U of C. Angela brings expansive knowledge from her work over the past 16 years in schools, 13 years in Indigenous communities, and the past 6 years working from a trauma informed lens.

Order the "Wonder Pup" books on Amazon.ca

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Independent journalist Rav Arora joins us to challenge mainstream views on white privilege, discuss his journey from India to Canada, and address topics ranging from historical injustices, the Canadian media's decline to the COVID vaccine debate and the impact of psychedelics on mental health with host Aaron Pete.

Rav Arora is an essayist and independent journalist writing on Substack. Passionate about challenging mainstream views, he writes extensively on civil liberties, free speech, pharmaceutical drugs, and psychedelic therapy. His thought-provoking pieces can be found on "The Illusion of Consensus" Substack, as mentioned on The Joe Rogan Experience. Rav's insights have been showcased on renowned podcasts, including conversations with luminaries like Jordan Peterson, Russell Brand and Ben Shapiro.

Subscribe to Rav Arora: https://www.illusionconsensus.com/

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Dr. Amanda McCormick discusses youth crime, systemic racism, intimate partner violence, and the complexities of gambling addiction, all within the framework of the criminal justice system. 

Dr. Amanda McCormick is an Associate Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley, specializing in Criminology and Criminal Justice. She is deeply involved in research on policing strategies, family violence, and at-risk youth, among other public safety issues. With over 30 research projects and numerous publications to her name, she also actively participates in committees focused on domestic violence awareness. Dr. McCormick teaches various courses and is currently working on several research projects centered on intimate partner violence.

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Acclaimed journalist Tara Henley dives into heated discussions on Canadian journalism, scrutinizing the Online News Act, media polarization, Big Tech's influence, and the future of journalistic integrity, all while exploring solutions for restoring public trust and fostering a more equitable and accountable media landscape in Canada.

Tara Henley, an acclaimed Canadian journalist and author of the bestseller "Lean Out: A Meditation on the Madness of Modern Life," boasts a versatile 20-year career across various media platforms, including TV, radio, and print. With experience as a producer at CBC Radio and contributions to renowned publications like The Guardian and The Los Angeles Times, she is a respected voice in journalism, currently contributing to the Globe and Mail and hosting a popular Substack newsletter and podcast on heterodox thought.

Follow her on Substack: https://tarahenley.substack.com/

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Professor Benjamin Perrin, author of "Indictment: The Criminal Justice System on Trial," challenges 'tough on crime' policies, highlights systemic flaws, and explores solutions to reimagine a justice system that heals rather than punishes with host Aaron Pete.

Benjamin Perrin is a professor at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. He has served in the Prime Minister’s Office as in-house legal counsel and lead policy advisor on criminal justice and public safety. He was also a law clerk at the Supreme Court of Canada. He is the national best-selling author of Overdose: Heartbreak and Hope in Canada’s Opioid Crisis (Penguin Random House, 2020). His latest book and podcast is Indictment: The Criminal Justice System on Trial (University of Toronto Press).

Order Indictment Here: https://utorontopress.com/9781487533731/indictment/

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