It Takes a Village Podcast

After many podium finishes, Rick Thiessen finally became a provincial champion in 2025 as a coach. He has been coaching at MEI for 32 years and is instrumental in the development of athletics for the province.Rick was a part of BC School Sports for 7 years and serving as President for 2 of them. He also helped found the Eastern Valley Athletic Association.Rick is now semi-retired and looking to run for city council for the City of Abbotsford. He hopes to boost economy and improve parks and recreation that are lacking in comparison to municipalities surrounding us.

Author of Grading Smarter, Not Harder, and Giving Students a Say, Myron Dueck challenges the traditional approach to education that past generations experienced.We explore Myron's upbringing and the moments that changed his focus on education. He recently published an article AI in Schools which has captured the attention of educators across the globe.Myron has previously held titles as teacher, Vice-Principal, District Principal, and now is on his journey as a educational speaker and consultant.

Farhan Lalji is a long-time journalist and broadcaster for TSN. He is also heavily involved with youth sport whether that is being an advocate across multiple levels or a head coach for high school football.His experiences has taken him across the globe covering professional athletes and events such as NFL, NBA, NHL, CFL, World Cup, to name a few. We get into the story of Farhan, his views on success, and how others can get involved. Additionally, we discuss sport as a whole and trends currently impacting society and youth sport.

Savannah Grewal discusses her journey from college golf at Clemson University, where she shattered records, to the LPGA. She placed top 5 in her second LPGA event at Blue Bay. She highlights the support of her family, the sacrifices and barriers she faced, and the mental and emotional aspects of professional golf. As one could imagine, we get into the time and sacrifice it takes to break through to see success in a very competitive sport. She also reveals some superstition, routines, and life on the road. Savannah is a young and rising Canadian star with lots of potential. A shout out to Piper's Heath, her home course, where she developed her game at a young age. Lastly, you'll hear some of her long-term goals and hopes for the sport!

Dr. Tsnomot (Brad Baker) is a proud member of the Squamish Nation. He currently works for the Ministry of Education as Senior Advisor for Indigenous Relations and Superintendent of Indigenous Education. He is also a professor at UBC. He held the title of District Principal of Indigenous Education in North Vancouver School District prior to his change to the Ministry.He is also on the Board for ViaSport BC and Canada Soccer. Additionally, he is a General B Member for the Canadian Olympic Committee. Before he went on a full-ride scholarship to SFU for soccer, he represented the u16 and u17 Canadian national soccer squads.We explore the state of education for indigenous youth and how the system can provide equitable access to all students. We also discuss his role in sport in the province of BC.

We cover Claire Meadows coaching journey which includes multiple USPORT stops which led to multiple podium finishes including Gold, Silver and Bronze. She also discusses the wild ride into the Olympics coaching the German women's National team. She's been the Head Coach of Queen's University where she was also a player. She was recently named OUA Coach of the Year.In this episode, we discuss the impact of great mentors, the evolution of coaching, and finding success along the way. Whether you're a fan, a current or past player, a coach, or want to understand leadership, this episode is for you.

Chris Kennedy has 30 years of experience in education and 16 of them as Superintendent of West Vancouver School District. He's been featured in Maclean's Magazine including many provincial and national publications. He also has his own blog called "Culture of Yes".In this episode, we discuss leadership, technology, and well-being. Whether you're a teacher experiencing burnout, a leader shaping policy, or a praent eager to understand what's next, this episode provides clarity and a call to action: the human connection, embracing change, and advocates for a system that supports every child.

Donnovan Bennett shares his journey from collegiate student-athlete to a successful career in sports media working for The Score, CBC, and Sportsnet.It hasn't come without its challenges, however. We dive into what success is, those who helped him, and how he is inspiring others.His identity and experience shapes his storytelling, aiming to connect with audiences. He reflects on work-life balance, favourite and challenging interviews, and hopes to motivate others through his work.

Dr. Shahana Alibhai, a renowned physician, TEDx speaker, and author of Feel Better, reveals how embracing imperfections, udnerstanding your emotions, and fostering connections can lead to reslilient, fulfilled lives.In this episode, she shares her personal journey from the struggles of undiagnosed mental health conditions, perfectionism, and immigrant pressures to becoming a beacon of authentic self-care. She unveils the hidden signs that show when you're heading for burnout or emotional disconnection, emphasizing mental health is a continuous process of growth.Whether you're a professional feeling overwhelmed, a parent trying to raise emotionally resilient kids, or someone seeking fulfillment, this episode offers clear, actionable insights.

Bradley Braich transformed his struggles with anxiety, OCD and depression into a powerful mental health initiative. Hear about the inspiring story of Bradley, a former high school star, now mental health advocate who founded the fundraiser It's Bigger Than Basketball.Bradley's story is a powerful reminder there is hope and mental health challenges can be managed and overcome. His advocacy work is not just for himself but for other who may feel alone in their struggles.His fundraiser is an annual event and this year it is on April 18th. Taya Hanson is leading with a workshop!

From steelworker to coaching the Canadian Men's National team, Alan Errington shares his journey through the ranks. He reveals how coaching philosophies, leadership, and personality can shape a culture.Alan's story proves that consistency, passion, and the right mentorship can outshine experience on paper. Success isn't about talent - it's about mindset, purpose and resilience.

Great coaches don't just win titles - they build legacies. Pat Sheahan reflects on his journey, from humble beginnings in small-town Ontario to coaching in five national championships and being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Success isn't just about trophies - it's about the impact, resilience, and continuous growth.He emphasizes that achievements are never solo - great players, mentors, and a passion for teaching have shaped his path. You create a life worth living by continuously learning, staying hungry, and always giving back.

Aaron Mitchel is a BC Provincial Champ as a player and as a coach. He was CCAA Player of the Year X2 as well as an Academic All-Canadian. He was later inducted into the CCAA Hall of Fame.We discuss Aaron's upbringing and some of his valuable experiences throughout life.We also dive into his "A Hoop's Journey" Podcast.Don't want to miss this episode if you're a basketball fan, coach, educator, and leader!

The conversation covers Mark Village's career journey from his early days in soccer to his professional career, highlighting key moments, challenges, and achievements. Mark reflects on the support and opportunities he received, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and paying it forward. He also shares insights on the state of youth soccer in Canada and the potential for growth in the sport.