Welcome back to another edition of the Midweek podcasts. This week, we have another three podcasts for you that include CFL players reflecting on not playing for the Grey Cup this year, a small business owner talking about making jewelry from her basement, and paramedics who feel they’ve been forgotten during COVID.

Host Warren Reid at his pandemic-era radio studio — AKA the kitchen table.

Podcast 1:  The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancelling of many events this year — graduations, weddings, holidays, and sports events like the Grey Cup. Midweek host Warren Reid spoke to some CFL players about the cancellation of this year’s big game and their memories of this longstanding Canadian tradition. 

Meanwhile, one university football player isn’t sitting idle: He’s started a new organization to give a voice to student athletes. Midweek’s Ethan Diamandas spoke to a founding member of the Canadian Student-Athlete Association.

 Also advocating for students is Mante Molepo from Parents for Diversity. Midweek’s Kieran Heffernan spoke to Molepo about how the group is working to combat discrimination faced by children in schools. 

Rachel Arnold and Josh Kilimnik are two theatre students at York University who are adamant the show must go on, even though their way back “on stage” looked different this year due to the pandemic. Midweek’s Kinda Squire spoke to the students about how theatre on Zoom has changed their learning. 

This week’s podcast was co-hosted by Natalie McGrath, and produced by McGrath and Matthew Newell. 

This trilingual plaque stands outside the Stanley Barracks in Toronto (top), telling of its use as a receiving centre for Ukrainian and other internees in the First World War. (Photo by Kevin O’Rourke McColl.)

Podcast 2:  As COVID cases continue to rise across Canada, a group of front-line workers is feeling left out — paramedics. Midweek host Kate Schellenberg spoke to two Nova Scotia paramedics about their frustrations and worries in their line of work.

Next, we hear about the work done by the Canadian First World War Internment Recognition Fund to preserve the memory and educate the public on this part of Canadian history.

Midweek’s Kevin O’Rourke McColl tells us that story of what many Ukrainian Canadians went through a century ago. 

Finally, we will speak to pandemic puppy owners and those helping with dog training. Host Hannah Rivkin spoke with the owner of Fergus and Co., Erica Mactaggart to find out what’s changed, and what hasn’t.  

This podcast was produced by Paige Kahkonen and Taylor Clark.

Midweek reporter and co-host Camryn Patterson shares a look at audio tracks she’s mixing into a documentary.

Podcast 3:  It is no secret that the pandemic has had an impact on local businesses, and many have needed to adapt. For some, though, the lockdown meant an opportunity to actually start a business. Midweek’s Emily Koch spoke with two young women who are repurposing authentic fashion jewelry into new pieces.

 As these young women repurpose jewelry, another enterprising woman is making jewelry from the comfort of her basement. Midweek host Camryn Patterson spoke with Roxanne Vinette, the owner of Splattered Hippo Arts, a local handmade jewelry and home décor shop. 

 In this podcast, we also hear from Manor Village residents who were rallying outside of City Hall on Nov. 25 against a proposal that would put their homes in jeopardy as part of the Stage 3 LRT expansion. Midweek’s Hamza Ali was there to speak to residents. 

 This podcast was co-hosted and produced by Rima Moussalli and Ingrid Mutoni.