Welcome back to the final editions of the Midweek podcasts — until January. In this set of podcasts, we’ll hear about what this holiday season is going to look like during COVID, the push to shop local for Christmas gifts, how one woman completed a five-kilometre run after only two months of training, and much, much more.
Podcast 1: This podcast, hosted by Kayla Holmes and Kate Schellenberg, opens how the illegal harvesting of a rare white moose in the Foleyet area near Timmins, Ont., in October has caused an outcry. Midweek’s Taylor Clark spoke to a member of the First Nations community who is leading the campaign.
Local businesses hoping to reap some of their usual annual reward from holiday shopping are counting on help from neighbours on the hunt for gifts. Midweek’s Kayla Holmes spoke to some business owners and shoppers about the recent push to shop locally.
Next, we’ll hear a Winnipeg woman’s reflections on the ups and downs of working in a pandemic. Midweek’s Kate Schellenberg spoke to Chantel Mierau about getting a job and losing it during these times.
Finally, we’ll meet a Chilliwack, B.C., resident who has earned the title of “Costco Queen” for her efforts to keep her neighbours’ shelves stocked during a pandemic. Midweek’s Ingrid Mutoni spoke to Katlyn Carter, who decided to be a personal shopper for her neighbours and those in isolation during the pandemic.
This podcast was produced by Hannah Rivkin and Camryn Patterson.
Podcast 2: This podcast, hosted by Matthew Newell and Kevin O’Rourke McColl, starts with a story by Midweek’s Warren Reid about a student who returned home to the Atlantic bubble just before cases began to rise. Jess Sperry travelled from Ottawa to Nova Scotia and was hoping to enjoy some of the freedom of the Atlantic bubble — but now, the provincial government has announced a two-week shutdown of all restaurants and bars, and has limited social gatherings to five people.
Closer to home in Ottawa, the pandemic is also proving difficult. Midweek’s Rima Moussalli found out how a community centre in the Glebe is adapting their holiday plans to meet COVID-19 guidelines.
Next, we’ll hear from Paul Huebener, an English professor at Athabasca University in Alberta. Midweek’s Kevin O’Rourke McColl spoke to him about the politics of time, and how our thinking about time may change due to the pandemic experience.
To close, Midweek reporter Matthew Newell sat down with his mother, Jennifer Newell, to talk about the struggle of staying active in a pandemic, especially as the days grow shorter and colder. She spoke about joining Louise Green’s Big Fit Girl running program, and how after two months of training, she was able to complete a five-kilometre run.
This podcast was produced by Meral Jamal and Kieran Heffernan.
Podcast 3: This Midweek podcast was hosted this week by Natalie McGrath and Kindra Squire.
First, we hear from a Rideau Centre employee who worked on one of the busiest shopping days of the year — Black Friday, and found it a wee bit different this time around. Midweek’s Paige Kahkonen spoke to Devin Cosway about how their store managed big crowds during a time where social distancing is key.
We will also hear from one grandma who is dealing with a COVID Christmas. Midweek’s Kindra Squire spoke with her grandmother, Cindy Williams, about the COVID-19 outbreak in Nova Scotia and what it means for her during this time of the year.
Next, we hear about two American women and their groundbreaking victories during the 2020 election. Midweek’s Graham Swaney spoke to Becca Balint and Kesha Ram, who made electoral history in Vermont. Balint became the first woman to lead the Vermont Senate as President Pro Tempore, while Ram was the first woman of colour to be elected to Vermont’s State Senate.
It might not be historic, but it may feel like it when a local rock band performs their first show since COVID’s arrival. Midweek’s Natalie McGrath met with a member of the local rock band Hard Labour to discuss the group’s upcoming Saturday performance at the Brass Monkey.
Finally, we discuss staying safe amid the new realities on Ottawa’s biggest outdoor skating rink. Midweek’s Hamza Ali spoke with Bruce Devine, the senior manager for the Rideau Canal Skateway, to learn more about the safety measures being put in place this skating season.
This podcast was produced by Graham Swaney and Ethan Diamandas.