Join The Fray

Meet the Canadian video game veteran who swaps the computer screen for the World Ninja League podium!In this action-packed episode of Join the Fray, 9-year-old host Fraser sits down with the ultimate real-life supermom, national champion and official World Champion Ninja, Sharon Brown-John!  Sharon opens up about her incredible dual career running a video game company with her husband alongside training three to four times a week to fly through the air, conquer the Ninja ‘salmon ladder’, and smash the buzzer on some of the toughest obstacle courses on the planet. Alongside her two ninja-champion daughters, Nora and Lily, Sharon’s family represents the ultimate team format in athletic teamwork.  In this episode, you’ll discover:The Playground Origin: How Sharon got hooked on the sport just by playing grounders and monkey bars with her kids. The Blueprint of a Champion: What a full training week looks like at the movement academy, from grip-strength workouts to course walk-throughs and mental planning. Facing Massive Fears: Sharon’s genius "baby-step" technique for conquering big jumps, handling pre-race nerves, and building unstoppable confidence. The Basement Secret: The truth about the secret playground gym built right inside their basement. The Game Design Parallel: How inventing a hit video game from scratch relies on the exact same experimentation and testing as designing a perfect ninja speed course. Whether you are an aspiring athlete, a fan of American Ninja Warrior, a gamer curious about building software, or a kid looking for the ultimate advice on how to follow the passions that truly light you up—this high-energy interview will inspire you to face your fears and tackle any obstacle in front of you!  Stick around until the very end for our hilarious, signature 1-second rapid-fire round! Listen now and get ready to Join the Fray!🔗 Connect with the Show:Instagram: @jointhefraypodcastFollow & Review: Don't forget to hit "Follow" on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to catch our next career adventure! #JoinTheFray #JoinTheFrayPodcast #WorldNinjaLeague#NinjaAthlete #AmericanNinjaWarrior #NinjaWarrior #ObstacleCourseRacing #WarpedWall #GameDev #VideoGameDesign #IndieGames #WomenInGaming#SuperMom #NinjaFamily #KidsPodcasts Whether you’re into STEM, pro sports or movie making, Fraser is here to interview the experts and find out how youcan join the fray. Hit 'Follow' on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for weekly episodes that make career exploration fun and easy for the whole family!To share feedback on each episode, please leave a Commenthere on Spotify and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jointhefraypodcastIf you’d like to get in touch with your own career story,give feedback on this episode or even request an interview, email our team at [email protected] . We’d loveto hear from you!🚀 PROVINCIAL RESOURCES & CAREER PATHWAYS Looking to turn inspiration into action? Check outthese helpful resources for students and parents:[Canada - BC] WorkBC Parents’ Guide: Discover career quizzes and labor market trends for the next decade.  WorkBC.ca[Canada - BC] EducationPlannerBC: The one-stop-shop for planning post-secondary paths at schools like BCIT, SFU, and UVic. EducationPlannerBC.ca[Canada - BC] Skills Ready: Focused on the "Skilled Trades" mentioned by BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey as the backbone of BC’s 2026 economy.  SkillsReady.ca[UK] National Careers Service (Parents' Guide): They offer a specific "Help a young person" section. It includes a "Skills Health Check" that parents can help their kids take.  nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice[USA] CareerOneStop (Get My Future): A youth-focused portal designed for ages 14–24, but excellent for parents of 9–12 year olds to look at "Career Clusters. careeronestop.org/getmyfuture

Can you spot someone who is lying straight to your face?  Or lead a fellowship of heroes through a legendary fantasy quest? In this episode of Join the Fray, 9-year-old host Fraser sits down with the ultimate game-maker, dungeon master andbestselling author, Ivan Brett! You might recognize Ivan from season one of the massive hit BBC reality show The Traitors UK, where he had to navigate a castle full of deception. But when he isn't hunting down Traitors, Ivan has some of the coolest jobs on the planet: he is a professional Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master and the creative mastermind behind hit interactive game books like The Floor Is Lavaand the hilarious Casper Candlewacks children's fiction series.Fraser and Ivan dive behind the scenes into:What it's actually like when a TV crew drops a camera right in your face in a Scottish castle.The psychology of survival on reality TV (and why spotting a liar is scientifically almost impossible!).How Ivan writes rules for over 200 screen-free games so that they make sense to readers without seeing their eyes.The secret to getting kids hooked on reading using serialized comics like The Phoenix.Ivan's "fail fast" blueprint for any kid who wants to start inventing their own games and stories today.Whether you're a parent looking for screen-free inspiration to beat boredom or a fan of strategic game design, Ivan’s advice on celebrating your own "weirdness" is an absolute must-listen!🔗 Connect with the Show:Instagram: @jointhefraypodcastFollow & Review: Don't forget to hit "Follow" on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to catch our next career adventure!#Podcast #IvanBrett #TheTraitors #TheTraitorsUK #ScreenFreeKids #TheFloorIs Lava #DND#DungeonsAndDragons #DungeonMaster #CreativeCareers #KidsPodcasts#ParentingTips #Storytelling Whether you’re into STEM, pro sports or movie making, Fraser is here to interview the experts and find out how youcan join the fray. Hit 'Follow' on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for weekly episodes that make career exploration fun and easy for the whole family!To share feedback on each episode, please leave a Commenthere on Spotify and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jointhefraypodcastIf you’d like to get in touch with your own career story,give feedback on this episode or even request an interview, email our team at [email protected] . We’d loveto hear from you!🚀 PROVINCIAL RESOURCES & CAREER PATHWAYS Looking to turn inspiration into action? Check outthese helpful resources for students and parents:[Canada - BC] WorkBC Parents’ Guide: Discover career quizzes and labor market trends for the next decade.  WorkBC.ca[Canada - BC] EducationPlannerBC: The one-stop-shop for planning post-secondary paths at schools like BCIT, SFU, and UVic. EducationPlannerBC.ca[Canada - BC] Skills Ready: Focused on the "Skilled Trades" mentioned by BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey as the backbone of BC’s 2026 economy.  SkillsReady.ca[UK] National Careers Service (Parents' Guide): They offer a specific "Help a young person" section. It includes a "Skills Health Check" that parents can help their kids take.  nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice[USA] CareerOneStop (Get My Future): A youth-focused portal designed for ages 14–24, but excellent for parents of 9–12 year olds to look at "Career Clusters. careeronestop.org/getmyfuture

Get ready to join the fray for a massive, action-packedepisode! Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a real-life superhero?In this episode, Fraser heads down to a real-life Fire Hall tointerview a guest who doesn't just wear one cape - he wears three! Michael Varga is a professional firefighter who saves lives, a world-class chef who battled his way to the finals on MasterChef Canada and an on-screen actor who you’ve probably seen on your favorite TV shows!Michael takes us completely behind the scenes of his threeincredible careers. He shares mind-blowing facts about what it’s really like to carry 150 pounds of heavy firefighting gear into a hot building, explains the science behind why firefighters can have bushy mustaches but absolutely nobeards, and gives us the scoop on actual "cat on a roof" side quests!Plus, he drops a hilarious truth bomb about why facing down a ticking clock on national television is way more terrifying than running into a blazing fire.Whether you love delicious food, action movies, or dream ofdriving a real fire truck one day, Michael’s journey is the ultimate proof that you don't have to choose just one passion in life!Hit 'Follow' on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never missan episode, check out our Instagram page jointhefraypodcast, and leave a comment below to tell us: Which of Michael's three jobs would you want to tryfirst? 👨‍🚒👨‍🍳🎬#JoinTheFrayPod #MichaelVarga #MasterChefCanada #FirefighterLife #TripleThreat #RealLifeHero #FirstResponders #ActorLife #ChefLife #FirehouseCooking #BehindTheScenes #KidPodcaster #PodcastLife #NewEpisodeAlertWhether you’re into STEM, pro sports or moviemaking, Fraser is here to interview the experts and find out how you can join the fray. Hit 'Follow' on Spotify and ApplePodcasts for weekly episodes that make career exploration fun and easy for the whole family!To share feedback on each episode, please leave a Commenthere on Spotify and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jointhefraypodcastIf you’d like to get in touch with your own career story,give feedback on this episode or even request an interview, email our team at [email protected] . We’d loveto hear from you!🚀 PROVINCIAL RESOURCES & CAREER PATHWAYS Looking to turn inspiration into action? Check outthese helpful resources for students and parents:[Canada - BC] WorkBC Parents’ Guide: Discover career quizzes and labor market trends for the next decade.  WorkBC.ca[Canada - BC] EducationPlannerBC: The one-stop-shop for planning post-secondary paths at schools like BCIT, SFU, and UVic. EducationPlannerBC.ca[Canada - BC] Skills Ready: Focused on the "Skilled Trades" mentioned by BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey as the backbone of BC’s 2026 economy.  SkillsReady.ca[UK] National Careers Service (Parents' Guide): They offer a specific "Help a young person" section. It includes a "Skills Health Check" that parents can help their kids take.  nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice [USA] CareerOneStop (Get My Future): A youth-focused portal designed for ages 14–24, but excellent for parents of 9–12 year olds to look at "Career Clusters. careeronestop.org/getmyfuture

Get ready to join the fray! In this spectacular 12th episode, Fraser takes a backstage look at how cities come alive with art, theater, and music - and you won't even need a ticket to see how the magic happens! 🎪✨Fraser’s guest today is a global creative genius, a festivalsuperstar, and his very own amazing auntie: Olivia Ansell! Olivia is the brilliant Artistic Director of Toronto's massive Luminato Festival. Before moving across the ocean to Canada, she directed the legendary Sydney Festival in Australia and produced massive sold-out shows at one of the most famous buildings on Earth, the Sydney Opera House! If you've ever stood in a massive concert crowd or a giantstreet festival and wondered, "Who planned this entire thing? - this is the episode for you! Olivia explains how a festival director acts like a creative "matchmaker," connecting amazing artists with excitedaudiences to share incredible energy. In this episode, you’ll discover:The Wizard of Oz Obsession: How an early childhood love for Dorothy and the land of Oz wore out a real VHS tape and inspired a lifetime of imagination. The Hard Work Behind the Dance: What it takes to keep your body agile and fit for professional shows, and how those skills translate backstage. How to Build a Mega-Festival: The exact steps to locking in a theme (like the 2026 theme: PLAY) and planning events years into the future. Student Practice Guide: How kids can get involved right now by joining school plays, painting scenic props, or volunteering for seasonal crew roles. Las Vegas Magic Comes to Canada: Why legendary magicians Penn & Teller are arriving to open the 20th anniversary of Luminato this summer in Toronto. Whether you love singing, acting, dancing, or dreaming upgiant ideas, Olivia shows us that loving the present moment and working collaboratively as a team is the ultimate ticket to success! #ArtisticDirector #FestivalProduction #CreativeLeadership #ArtsManagement #Luminato2026 #SydneyFestival #LivePerformance #SciCommAndArts #WomenInArts #InspireTheNextGen #CareerExploration #TheatreEducationDon’t forget to follow the journey and chat with our team on Instagram ! 📸 @jointhefraypodcast ⭐ Plus - tell us your favorite type of live performance in the Spotify comment section! Whether you’re into STEM, pro sports or moviemaking, Fraseris here to interview the experts and find out how you can join the fray. Hit 'Follow' on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for weekly episodes that make career exploration fun and easy for the whole family!If you’d like to get in touch with your own career story, give feedback on this episode or even request an interview, email our team at ⁠[email protected]⁠We’d love to hear from you! 🚀 PROVINCIAL RESOURCES & CAREER PATHWAYS Looking to turn inspiration into action? Check out these helpful resources for students and parents:[Canada - BC] WorkBC Parents’ Guide: Discover careerquizzes and labor market trends for the next decade.  ⁠WorkBC.ca⁠[Canada - BC] Education Planner BC: The one-stop-shopfor planning post-secondary paths at schools like BCIT, SFU, and UVic. ⁠EducationPlannerBC.ca⁠[Canada - BC] Skills Ready: Focused on the "Skilled Trades" mentioned by BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey asthe backbone of BC’s 2026 economy.  ⁠SkillsReady.ca⁠[UK]National Careers Service (Parents' Guide): Theyoffer a specific "Help a young person" section. It includes a"Skills Health Check" that parents can help their kids take.  ⁠nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice⁠· [USA] CareerOneStop (Get My Future): A youth-focusedportal designed for ages 14–24, but excellent for parents of 9–12 year olds to look at "Career Clusters. ⁠careeronestop.org/getmyfuture

Get ready to Join The Fray! In this unbelievable 11thepisode, Fraser takes a close-up look at nature’s ultimate adventure - and you won't even need a magnifying glass to see how cool it is! 🕵️‍♂️🐜Fraser’s guest today is a real-life explorer and professional insect detective: Dr. Kateryn Rochon! Kateryn is a world-class entomologist and university professor who spends her days investigating the secret, creepy-crawly world of insects, ticks and mites. But here is the craziest part: when Kateryn was nine yearsold, she was actually afraid of bugs and wanted to be a vet! In this episode, she shares the exact university science lesson about fleas and the plague that blew her mind and changed her life forever. In this episode, you’ll discover:The Sharks of the Arthropod World: Why ticks are like the ocean's apex predators and how they haven't changed in 100 million years. The ultimate TV show: Why watching an ant mound or a spider web outside your window is better than watching cartoons. Real-life Bug Jobs: From working in a museum or zoo conservation program to insect photography and border security. The Science Detective: What it's like to ask questions that nobody in the world knows the answer to yet, and how to prove you're right. The Sport of Bug Hunting: Meet the colorful Tiger Beetle - a super-fast predator with giant mandibles that is a massive challenge to catch! Whether you love ants, want to know how bugs keep our food supply safe, or are looking for your own future career path in science, Dr. Rochon shows us that curiosity is the ultimate superpower! Don’t forget to follow the journey! 📸 Instagram: @jointhefraypodcast ⭐ Plus – make sure to tell us your favorite insect in theSpotify comment section! #JoinTheFray #KidPodcaster #STEMKids #InsectsOfInstagram #BugsOfInstagram #DrKaterynRochon #Entomology #ScienceForKids #FutureScientist #CreepyCrawlies #NatureExplorers #OutdoorKids #PodcastFamilyWhether you’re into STEM, pro sports or moviemaking, Fraseris here to interview the experts and find out how you can join the fray. Hit 'Follow' on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for weekly episodes that make career exploration fun and easy for the whole family!If you’d like to get in touch with your own career story, givefeedback on this episode or even request an interview, email our team at ⁠[email protected]⁠We’d love to hear from you! 🚀 PROVINCIAL RESOURCES & CAREER PATHWAYS Looking to turn inspiration into action? Check out these helpful resources for students and parents:[Canada - BC] WorkBC Parents’ Guide: Discover career quizzes and labor market trends for the next decade.  ⁠WorkBC.ca⁠[Canada - BC] EducationPlannerBC: The one-stop-shop for planning post-secondary paths at schools like BCIT, SFU, and UVic. ⁠EducationPlannerBC.ca⁠[Canada - BC] Skills Ready: Focused on the "Skilled Trades" mentioned by BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey as the backbone of BC’s 2026 economy.  ⁠SkillsReady.ca⁠[UK]National Careers Service (Parents' Guide): They offer a specific "Help a young person" section. It includes a"Skills Health Check" that parents can help their kids take.  ⁠nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice⁠· [USA] CareerOneStop (Get My Future): A youth-focused portal designed for ages 14–24, but excellent for parents of 9–12 year olds to look at "Career Clusters. ⁠careeronestop.org/getmyfuture 

Get ready to join the fray! In this very special episode, Fraser sits down with a true legend of the stage - who also happens to be his Nana! Joanne Ansell (or Nana Jo) has been a powerhouse in the dance world since she was just 16 years old. 💃✨From starring in iconic musicals like West Side Story and Annie Get Your Gun to dancing on the massive TV hit Bandstand, Joanne has seen it all. She’s won the prestigious Australian MO Award multiple times and has spent her life traveling the globe as a dancer, choreographer and teacher. 🌏👯‍♂️In this episode, you’ll discover:The "Big Break": What it was like to be 17 and working two of the biggest professional jobs in Sydney at the same time. The Secret of the "Swing": How professional dancers have to learn multiple roles at once in case of an emergency. Overcoming "Blackouts": Nana Jo’s pro-tips on how to improvise and stay cool when you forget your steps on stage. Becoming an All-Rounder: Why learning tap, jazz, singing, and ballet is the key to getting an agent and landing a job on a cruise ship or in a musical. Whether you’re a dancer, an actor, or just love a great story about following your dreams, Joanne's advice on posture, creativity, and "never giving up" is a must-listen! Don’t forget to follow the journey!📸 Instagram: @jointhefraypod⭐ Leave us a review and tell us your favorite dance style in the comments!Whether you’re into STEM, pro sports or movie making, Fraser is here to interview the experts and find out how youcan join the fray. Hit 'Follow' on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for weekly episodes that make career exploration fun and easy for the whole family!To share feedback on each episode, please leave a Commenthere on Spotify and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jointhefraypodcastIf you’d like to get in touch with your own career story,give feedback on this episode or even request an interview, email our team at [email protected] . We’d loveto hear from you!🚀 PROVINCIAL RESOURCES& CAREER PATHWAYS Looking to turn inspiration into action? Check out these helpful resources for students and parents:[Canada - BC] WorkBC Parents’ Guide: Discover career quizzes and labor market trends for the next decade.  WorkBC.ca[Canada - BC] EducationPlannerBC: The one-stop-shop for planning post-secondary paths at schools like BCIT, SFU, and UVic. EducationPlannerBC.ca[Canada - BC] Skills Ready: Focused on the "Skilled Trades" mentioned by BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey as the backbone of BC’s 2026 economy.  SkillsReady.ca[UK] National Careers Service (Parents' Guide): They offer a specific "Help a young person" section. It includes a "Skills Health Check" that parents can help their kids take.  nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice[USA] CareerOneStop (Get My Future): A youth-focused portal designed for ages 14–24, but excellent for parents of 9–12 year olds to look at "Career Clusters. careeronestop.org/getmyfuture

Today, Fraser welcomes Maris Wicks to the show! In this episode, Fraser sits down with the incredibly talented Maris Wicks, the author and illustrator behind some of your favorite science comics and books like 'Human Body Theater' 🧬🎨In this episode, Maris talks about the "hardest parts" of her job, how she works with major book publishers like First Second and why having a "science job" actually makes her a better artist.If you’ve ever had a big idea but didn’t know what to do next, Maris shares the exact steps to take to get started. Plus, stay tuned for a high-speed Rapid Fire Round where Maris has to choose between pencils and digital, and sharks and puffins! 🦈 Episode highlights include: The "Detective" Beginnings 🕵️‍♀️Maris reveals that her path as a science communicator started at age five when she became obsessed with animal tracks and "scat" (animal poop). She explains how wanting to be a "nature detective" as a kid was one of the two guiding lights that led to her career as an author and educator. From Ambulance to Author 🚑In a surprising career twist, Maris shares that she originally trained to be an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). While she ultimately decided it wasn't the right job for her, that hands-on medical training provided the deep "body knowledge" that allowed her to create the hit graphic novel Human Body Theater a decade later. Field Research: The Smelly Side of Science 🐧Maris discusses her "boots on the ground" approach to research, including volunteering for two weeks on a tiny island off the coast of Maine to study puffins. She gives us the unglamorous truth about fieldwork—including sleeping in tents covered in bird poop—all to better understand the animals she illustrates. Support the show and our guest: Grab your copy of Human Body Theater on Amazon or where all great books are sold.Follow Fraser's journey on Instagram @jointhefraypod and get ready to join the fray!Whether you’re into STEM, pro sports or movie making, Fraser is here to interview the experts and find out how youcan join the fray. Hit 'Follow' on Spotify and ApplePodcasts for weekly episodes that make career exploration fun and easy for the whole family!To share feedback on each episode, please leave a Commenthere on Spotify and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jointhefraypodcastIf you’d like to get in touch with your own career story,give feedback on this episode or even request an interview, email our team at [email protected] . We’d loveto hear from you!🚀 PROVINCIAL RESOURCES & CAREER PATHWAYS Looking to turn inspiration into action? Check outthese helpful resources for students and parents:[Canada - BC] WorkBC Parents’ Guide: Discover career quizzes and labor market trends for the next decade.  WorkBC.ca[Canada - BC] EducationPlannerBC: The one-stop-shop for planning post-secondary paths at schools like BCIT, SFU, and UVic. EducationPlannerBC.ca[Canada- BC] Skills Ready: Focused on the "Skilled Trades" mentioned by BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey as the backbone of BC’s 2026 economy.  SkillsReady.ca[UK] National Careers Service (Parents' Guide): They offer a specific "Help a young person" section. It includes a "Skills Health Check" that parents can help their kids take.  nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice [USA] CareerOneStop (Get My Future): A youth-focused portal designed for ages 14–24, but excellent for parents of 9–12 year olds to look at "Career Clusters. careeronestop.org/getmyfuture

"What does it take to build a career where creativity meets cutting-edge technology? According to Dr. Ted Gervan, it’s all about staying curious, being an 'intrapreneur,' and never losing the spark of your childhood imagination. 🚀Join Fraser for a fascinating journey through the world of digital media and animation with a true industry innovator. From his early days as a sculptor and prosthetic makeup artist, to becoming the managing director at the prestigious Centre for Digital Media in Vancouver, BC, Ted shares the secrets of how he helped bridge the gap between creative passion and professional success. Discover how he helped develop groundbreaking industry collaborations and why he believes that a sense of belonging is the most important part of any creative project.Inside this episode:🧠 The VFX Life: A look at what it’s really like to sculpt creatures and create digital worlds for the big screen.🎓 Leading the Charge: How Ted transformed arts education by building bridges between classrooms and major game studios.💡 The 'Intrapreneur' Mindset: Why solving problems with a creative lens is the ultimate career superpower.🌍 Building the Future: How he is helping to champion diversity and Indigenous digital innovation in the creative sector.🏫 Advice for Kids: Why building a portfolio—and finding your own 'tribe'—is the key to turning a hobby into a life-long career.#theCDM #DigitalArts #VFX #Animation #CareerDiscovery #EducationInnovation #GameDev #CreativeCareers #JoinTheFray #MasterofDigitalMedia #FutureReady"Whether you’re into STEM, pro sports or moviemaking, Fraser is here to interview the experts and find out how you can join the fray. Hit 'Follow' on Spotify and ApplePodcasts for weekly episodes that make career exploration fun and easy for the whole family!To share feedback on each episode, please leave a Commenthere on Spotify and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jointhefraypodcastIf you’d like to get in touch with your own career story,give feedback on this episode or even request an interview, email our team at [email protected] . We’d loveto hear from you!🚀 PROVINCIAL RESOURCES & CAREER PATHWAYS Looking to turn inspiration into action? Check outthese helpful resources for students and parents:[Canada - BC] WorkBC Parents’ Guide: Discover career quizzes and labor market trends for the next decade.  WorkBC.ca[Canada - BC] EducationPlannerBC: The one-stop-shop for planning post-secondary paths at schools like BCIT, SFU, and UVic. EducationPlannerBC.ca[Canada - BC] Skills Ready: Focused on the "Skilled Trades" mentioned by BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey as the backbone of BC’s 2026 economy.  SkillsReady.ca[UK]National Careers Service (Parents' Guide): They offer a specific "Help a young person" section. It includes a "Skills Health Check" that parents can help their kids take.  nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice·      [USA] CareerOneStop (Get My Future): A youth-focused portal designed for ages 14–24, but excellent for parents of 9–12 year olds to look at "Career Clusters. careeronestop.org/getmyfuture

Have you ever wondered what it’s actually like to be ateacher, or how you get from a school desk to competing on the world stage in international sporting events?In this episode of Join the Fray, Fraser sits down with the one and only Madame Kristin Marvin! Madame Marvin isn’t just an incredible elementary school teacher - she is a legend in the Canadian sports scene who has dedicated her life to helping students stay active, think big, and chase their personal goals. In this episode, we cover:The "Teacher Truths": Madame Marvin breaks down the reality of becoming an educator—from the years of training required to the mental and emotional decision-making that happens every single second in the classroom.Life as an Athlete: Hear about her journey competing for Team Canada in world-class sporting events and how the lessons she learned as an athlete - like being "comfortable with discomfort"—help her manage a busy classroom today.The "Superpower" of Teaching: We talk about the importance of emotional intelligence, how she supports students through their feelings, and why teachers value "trying" over being perfect.Advice for Dreamers: Madame Marvin shares her best tips for kids who are nervous about trying new things, including why "Fear" is just "False Evidence Appearing Real," and why now is the perfect time to go after your passions.Whether you’re a student, an aspiring teacher, or justlooking for a little motivation to step out of your comfort zone, this episode is packed with heart and expert advice.Don't forget to follow Join the Fray wherever you listen to Podcasts and check out our Instagram at @jointhefraypod for updates on our next episode!#JoinTheFray #CareerDiscovery #Education #TeacherLife#TeamCanada #FollowYourDreams #InspiringKidsWhether you’re into STEM, pro sports or movie making, Fraser is here to interview the experts and find out how youcan join the fray. Hit 'Follow' on Spotify and ApplePodcasts for weekly episodes that make career exploration fun and easy for the whole family!To share feedback on each episode, please leave a Commenthere on Spotify and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jointhefraypodcastIf you’d like to get in touch with your own career story,give feedback on this episode or even request an interview, email our team at [email protected] . We’d loveto hear from you!🚀 PROVINCIAL RESOURCES & CAREER PATHWAYS Looking to turn inspiration into action? Check out these helpful resources for students and parents:[Canada - BC] WorkBC Parents’ Guide: Discover career quizzes and labor market trends for the next decade.  WorkBC.ca[Canada - BC] EducationPlannerBC: The one-stop-shop for planning post-secondary paths at schools like BCIT, SFU, and UVic. EducationPlannerBC.ca[Canada- BC] Skills Ready: Focused on the "Skilled Trades" mentioned by BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey as the backbone of BC’s 2026 economy.  SkillsReady.ca[UK] National Careers Service (Parents' Guide): They offer a specific "Help a young person" section. It includes a "Skills Health Check" that parents can help their kids take.  nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice·[USA] CareerOneStop (Get My Future): A youth-focused portal designed for ages 14–24, but excellent for parents of 9–12 year olds to look at "Career Clusters. careeronestop.org/getmyfuture

What does it take to become a legendary Greek warrioror the Dark Knight himself? According to Michael Antonakos, it’s about creativity, passion and truly believing in yourself. 🎭Join Fraser for an incredible deep dive into the world of voiceacting and performance capture with the man who brought Alexios (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey) and Batman (Gotham Knights) to life. Discover the amazing story of how Michael learned he was hired to play a famous Assassin, why heworked three jobs as a student to fund his dreams, and how he uses his voice to move audiences from the Canadian Rockies to global consoles.Inside this episode: 🧠 The "Snot Ball" Era: A funny look at the evolution of motion capture technology. ⚔️The 3-Hour Audition: What it’s really like to compete for the videogame role of a lifetime. 🦇 Becoming Bruce Wayne: How posture and composure create a superhero voice. 🏫 Advice for Kids: Why theater, clowning and martial arts are the best ways to start your acting journey.#VoiceActing #AssassinsCreed #Batman #GothamKnights#PerformanceCapture #CareerDiscovery #ParentingTips #JoinTheFray #MichaelAntonakos #FutureReady Inside this episode: [08:21] -  The "Snot Ball" Era of Gaming Michael explains the difference between Motion Capture and Performance Capture, including a hilarious look back at the early days when actors had to wear "wiggly gummy balls" (which hecalled snot balls) all over their faces.[05:51] - The 3-Job Hustle for the Dream A powerfulmoment where Michael discusses working three jobs simultaneously—at a photography store, a deli, and a restaurant—to pay his own rent and tuition sohe could finish performing arts high school.[09:38] - The Assassins Creed ‘Secrecy’ Story  Michael reveals the incredible story of how he was already on set, in a suit, filming scenes before the producers would finally reveal, "Yes, this is Assassin’s Creed." He describes the incredible experience of auditioning for a year with super talented actors around him.[12:01] - Becoming Batman: The Physical Shift A"masterclass" moment where Michael explains how he changed his voice and posture to play Bruce Wayne in Gotham Knights, describing how he had to "slow down" his movements to match Batman’s composed, observantnature. Whether you’re into STEM, pro sports or movie making, Fraser is here to interview the experts and find out how youcan join the fray. Hit 'Follow' on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for weekly episodes that make career exploration fun and easy for the whole family!To share feedback on each episode, please leave a Commenthere on Spotify and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jointhefraypodcastIf you’d like to get in touch with your own career story,give feedback on this episode or even request an interview, email our team at [email protected] . We’d loveto hear from you!🚀 PROVINCIAL RESOURCES & CAREER PATHWAYS Looking to turn inspiration into action? Check outthese helpful resources for students and parents:[Canada - BC] WorkBC Parents’ Guide: Discover career quizzes and labor market trends for the next decade.  WorkBC.ca[Canada - BC] EducationPlannerBC: The one-stop-shop for planning post-secondary paths at schools like BCIT, SFU, and UVic. EducationPlannerBC.ca[Canada - BC] Skills Ready: Focused on the "Skilled Trades" mentioned by BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey as the backbone of BC’s 2026 economy.  SkillsReady.ca[UK] National Careers Service (Parents' Guide): They offer a specific "Help a young person" section. It includes a "Skills Health. Check" that parents can help their kids take.  nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice [USA] CareerOneStop (Get My Future): A youth-focused portal designed for ages 14–24, but excellent for parents of 9–12 year olds to look at "Career Clusters. careeronestop.org/getmyfuture

What makes a great teacher? According to Professor Dave Fracchia, it’s not about exams—it’s about Curiosity and Improvisation. 💡Join Fraser for an inspiring look at the Centre for Digital Media in Vancouver BC, where Dr Dave helps students turn big ideas into real apps. Discover why Dave spent 10 years in university, how he uses 'Business Improv' in the classroom, and his powerful advice for kids on finding joy in their work.Inside this episode:🧠 Why 'Curiosity' is a student’s ultimate superpower.🏛️ A sneak peek at the Canadian Video Game Museum (CVGM.ca).🏫 Advice for kids who want to become teachers or professors.#Education #StudentSuccess #DigitalMedia #BCED#STEMtoSTEAM #ParentingTips #Curiosity #JoinTheFray #FutureReady"Inside this episode:03:22 - What does a professor do? 05:24 - What student tech project was the most exciting to help work on?12:59 - How does a kid make their own video game?14:32- What is a personality super power that students need to know about? Whether you’re into STEM, pro sports or movie making, Fraser is here to interview the experts and find out how you can join the fray. Hit 'Follow' on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for weekly episodes that make career exploration fun and easy for the whole family!To share feedback on each episode and have a chance at a shoutout in a future show, leave a Comment here on Spotify and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jointhefraypodcastIf you’d like to get in touch with your own career story, give feedback on this episode or even request an interview, email our team at [email protected] . We’d love to hear from you!🚀 PROVINCIAL RESOURCES & CAREER PATHWAYS Looking to turn inspiration into action? Check outthese helpful resources for students and parents:[Canada - BC] WorkBC Parents’ Guide: Discover career quizzes and labor market trends for the next decade.  WorkBC.ca[Canada - BC] EducationPlannerBC: The one-stop-shop for planning post-secondary paths at schools like BCIT, SFU, and UVic. EducationPlannerBC.ca[Canada - BC] Skills Ready: Focused on the "Skilled Trades" mentioned by BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey as the backbone of BC’s 2026 economy.  SkillsReady.ca[UK] National Careers Service (Parents' Guide): They offer a specific "Help a young person" section. It includes a "Skills Health Check" that parents can help their kids take.  nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice[USA]CareerOneStop (Get My Future): A youth-focused portal designed for ages 14–24, but excellent for parents of 9–12 year olds to look at "Career Clusters. careeronestop.org/getmyfuture

Ever think interior design is just about picking paintcolors? Think again! 🎨 In Episode 4, Fraser heads to a bustling Vancouver kitchen cabinet shop to meet Kelly Arthur, an interior design powerhouse with 25+ years of experience.Kelly takes us behind the scenes of what it really means to be a designer - from managing 25 projects at once to understanding the complex rules of construction. We explore a reclaimed wood billiard room from 1994, talk about the freedom of custom cabinetry, and hear the hilarious story of how her antique store turned into a wedding and furniture empire. Plus, Kelly shares a powerful message for every kid: how she pursued her dream in 1988 when people told her it 'wasn't a real job.'GREMLIN ALERT! We had a few 'Mic Gremlins' join us for this interview, but the design secrets Kelly shares were too good to keep in the dark!"Inside this episode:02:49 - Why designers are NOT just 'decorators.'03:47 - The secret of the Reclaimed Billiard Room.04:30 - Tour of a real Vancouver Cabinet Shop.07:50 - Why you should always take the risk.#JoinTheFray #InteriorDesign #VancouverCreatives#CareerEducation #WomenInTrades #CustomCabinetry #KitchenDesign #STEMtoSTEAM#KellyArthurWhether you’re into STEM, pro sports or movie-making, Fraser is here to interview the experts and find out how youcan join the fray. Hit 'Follow' on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for weekly episodes that make career exploration fun and easy for the whole family!To share feedback on each episode, please leave a Commenthere on Spotify and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jointhefraypodcastIf you’d like to get in touch with your own career story,give feedback on this episode or even request an interview, email our team at [email protected] . We’d loveto hear from you!🚀 LOCAL RESOURCES & CAREER PATHWAYS Looking to turn inspiration into action? Check out these helpful resources for students and parents:[Canada - BC] WorkBC Parents’ Guide: Discover career quizzes and labor market trends for the next decade.  WorkBC.ca[Canada - BC] EducationPlannerBC: The one-stop-shop for planning post-secondary paths at schools like BCIT, SFU, and UVic. EducationPlannerBC.ca[Canada - BC] Skills Ready: Focused on the "Skilled Trades" mentioned by BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey as the backbone of BC’s 2026 economy.  SkillsReady.ca[UK] National Careers Service (Parents' Guide): They offer a specific "Help a young person" section. It includes a "Skills Health. Check" that parents can help their kids take.  nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-adviceUSA] CareerOneStop (Get My Future): A youth-focused portal designed for ages 14–24, but excellent forparents of 9–12 year olds to look at "Career Clusters. careeronestop.org/getmyfuture

Is your child a gamer? Turn that screen time into career inspiration! Fraser interviews Andy Bergin from Relic Entertainment to explore the high-growth world of videogame marketing. This episode is a must-listen for families exploring STEM and creative arts careers. Andy breaks down the essential soft skills needed for the gaming industry, discusses the diverse roles available beyond programming, and shares his personal journey through the world of interactive entertainment. Perfect for the car ride to school!Whether you’re into STEM, pro sports or movie making, Fraser is here to interview the experts and find out how you can join the fray. Hit 'Follow' on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for weekly episodes that make career exploration fun and easy for the whole family!To share feedback on each episode, please leave a Comment here on Spotify and follow us on Instagram at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jointhefraypodcast⁠⁠⁠If you’d like to get in touch with your own career story, give feedback on this episode or even request an interview, email our team at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ . We’d love to hear from you!🚀 CAREER PLANNING RESOURCES Looking to turn inspiration into action? Check out these helpful resources for students and parents:[Canada - BC] WorkBC Parents’ Guide: Discover career quizzes and labor market trends for the next decade.  ⁠WorkBC.ca⁠[Canada - BC] EducationPlannerBC: The one-stop-shop for planning post-secondary paths at schools like BCIT, SFU, and UVic. ⁠EducationPlannerBC.ca⁠[Canada - BC] Skills Ready: Focused on the "Skilled Trades" mentioned by BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey as the backbone of BC’s 2026 economy. ⁠SkillsReady.ca⁠[UK] National Careers Service (Parents' Guide): They offer a specific "Help a young person" section. It includes a "Skills Health Check" that parents can help their kids take.  ⁠nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice⁠[USA] CareerOneStop (Get My Future): A youth-focused portal designed for ages 14–24, but excellent for parents of 9–12 year olds to look at "Career Clusters. ⁠careeronestop.org/getmyfuture⁠#JoinTheFray #SpringBreakBC #BCED #STEMCanada#FutureReadyBC #CareerExploration #SkilledTrades #VancouverParents #YouthInnovation #BCPolicy 

Is your child obsessed with animals? 🐶 This episode of Join the Fray is the ultimate guide to the world of Veterinary Science! Fraser interviews Uncle Neil about his life as a vet, delivering a mix of career advice and hair-raising animal adventures.What’s inside:✅ The Path to Vet School: A step-by-step for students.✅ The Polar Bear Patient: Neil’s most famous (and freezing) story.✅ Farm Fiasco: Chasing missing animals in the great outdoors.✅ STEM Inspiration: Why science and empathy go hand-in-hand.Whether you’re into STEM, pro sports or movie making, Fraser is here to interview the experts and find out how you can join the fray. Hit 'Follow' on Spotify and ApplePodcasts for weekly episodes that make career exploration fun and easy for the whole family!To share feedback on each episode, please leave a Comment here on Spotify and follow us on Instagram at ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jointhefraypodcast⁠⁠If you’d like to get in touch with your own career story,give feedback on this episode or even request an interview, email our team at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ . We’d love to hear from you!Key Timestamps (1:07) Why Neil Wanted to be a Vet (Inspired by James Herriot): Neil explains that by age nine, he was already captivated by a series of books by author James Herriot, whichsparked his lifelong interest in the veterinary field. (1:36) What a Veterinarian Does & Working with Chickens:Neil describes the role of a vet as being a "doctor of animals" and discusses his unique specialization in poultry, which was inspired by growing up on a chicken farm in Scotland.(2:29) How to Become a Vet (The Education Path): Neiloutlines the rigorous academic requirements, including 2–4 years of university-level pre-requisites followed by a 4-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. (6:10) The Polar Bear Story: Neil recounts an incredibleexperience from his student days when he was paged to receive and examine asedated polar bear arriving at the vet college on a truck. (7:06) The Rapid Fire Question Section: Fraser wraps up theinterview with a high-speed round of questions, covering Neil's favorites like Hawaiian pizza, winter, and dogs. Perfect for the car ride to school! Subscribe to Join the Fray for more weekly deep-dives into cool careers and life lessons.🚀 CAREER PLANNING RESOURCES Looking to turn inspiration into action? Check out these helpful resources for students and parents:[Canada - BC] WorkBC Parents’ Guide: Discover career quizzes and labor market trends for the next decade.  ⁠WorkBC.ca⁠[Canada - BC] EducationPlannerBC: The one-stop-shop for planning post-secondary paths at schools like BCIT, SFU, and UVic. ⁠EducationPlannerBC.ca⁠[Canada - BC] Skills Ready: Focused on the "Skilled Trades" mentioned by BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey as the backbone of BC’s 2026 economy. ⁠SkillsReady.ca⁠[UK] National Careers Service (Parents' Guide): They offer a specific "Help a young person" section. It includes a "Skills Health Check" that parents can help their kids take.  ⁠nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice⁠[USA] CareerOneStop (Get My Future): A youth-focused portal designed for ages 14–24, but excellent for parents of 9–12 year olds to look at "Career Clusters. ⁠careeronestop.org/getmyfuture⁠#JoinTheFray #SpringBreakBC #BCED #STEMCanada#FutureReadyBC #CareerExploration #SkilledTrades #VancouverParents #YouthInnovation #BCPolicy 

Would you put a sword on your living room wall? ⚔️Welcome to the first full episode of Join the Fray, the educational podcast where kids ask the big questions! This week, Fraser interviews Kendall, an expert Interior Designer, about the wildest items she’s ever put into a house.It’s not all about paint colors and pillows! Learn about the science of space, the art of design, and the path to becoming a professional designer. Whether you’re a kid who loves building in Minecraft or a parent interested in home styling, you’ll love Kendall's stories of "dream house" demands and design challenges. Don't miss the Rapid Fire Round at the end to see if Kendall can keep up with Fraser’s toughest questions!Perfect for: Kids interested in art, building, science, and creative careers.Whether you’re into STEM, pro sports or movie making, Fraser is here to interview the experts and find out how you can join the fray. Hit 'Follow' on Spotify and ApplePodcasts for weekly episodes that make career exploration fun and easy for the whole family!To share feedback on each episode, please leave a Comment here on Spotify and follow us on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jointhefraypodcast⁠If you’d like to get in touch with your own career story,give feedback on this episode or even request an interview, email our team at ⁠[email protected]⁠ . We’d love to hear from you!HELPFUL TIMESTAMPS: Introducing Kendall  - the expert interior designer!  Timestamp 1:18 What did Kendall want to be at 9 years old?  Kendall explains all of the amazing careers she considered becoming when she was a young girl in school.   Timestamp 1:49 Kendall reveals the coolest aspects to being an interiordesigner. From seeing the world’s coolest homes to  meeting lots of fellow designers, Kendall spills the beans on this cool job.  Timestamp: 2:49 How to become an interior designer? Handy tips from Kendall on the first steps students should take when stepping into the world of interior design. Timestamp 3:25One crazy Fact about the interior design industry:Kendall gives a helpful insight on an aspect of interior design work that is easily overlooked. Timestamp: 4:19Eagles eye designer! If you could have one animal sidekick to work alongside, what would it be? Timestamp:  4:58What was the weirdest and coolest collection of things designed into a home? Kendall gives two cool examples of client collection items that were a challenge to design into a home. Timestamp 7:15Rapid Fire Challenge: Let’s see how well Kendall survives this 1-second answer challenge. Timestamp:  9:00🚀 CAREER PLANNING RESOURCES Looking to turn inspiration into action? Check out these helpful resources for students and parents:[Canada - BC] WorkBC Parents’ Guide: Discover career quizzes and labor market trends for the next decade.  WorkBC.ca[Canada - BC] EducationPlannerBC: The one-stop-shop for planning post-secondary paths at schools like BCIT, SFU, and UVic. EducationPlannerBC.ca[Canada - BC] Skills Ready: Focused on the "Skilled Trades" mentioned by BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey as the backbone of BC’s 2026 economy. SkillsReady.ca[UK] National Careers Service (Parents' Guide): They offer a specific "Help a young person" section. It includes a "Skills Health Check" that parents can help their kids take.  nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice[USA] CareerOneStop (Get My Future): A youth-focused portal designed for ages 14–24, but excellent for parents of 9–12 year olds to look at "Career Clusters. careeronestop.org/getmyfuture#JoinTheFray #SpringBreakBC #BCED #STEMCanada#FutureReadyBC #CareerExploration #SkilledTrades #VancouverParents #YouthInnovation #BCPolicy 

How does a veterinarian help a sick polar bear? What does a video game designer do all day? Welcome to Join the Fray, the new career education podcast for children! Hosted by Fraser, a super curious Canadian student with a lot of questions, this show brings you behind the scenes of the world's coolest jobs and fun discussion on games, travel, movies and more!Spring Break Special: We’re launching with incredible guests who prove that if you can imagine it, you can do it. Hit 'Follow' for weekly episodes that turn 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' into the most fun conversation of the week!Whether you’re into STEM, pro sports or movie making, Fraser is here to interview the experts and find out how youcan join the fray. 'Follow' us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts right now for weekly episodes that make career exploration fun and easy for the whole family!To share feedback on each episode, please leave a Comment here on Spotify and follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jointhefraypodcastIf you’d like to get in touch and share your feedback on this episode or even request an interview, email our team at [email protected] . We’d love to hear from you!🚀 PROVINCIAL RESOURCES& CAREER PATHWAYS Looking to turn inspiration into action? Check out these helpful resources for students and parents:[Canada - BC] WorkBC Parents’ Guide: Discover career quizzes and labor market trends for the next decade.  WorkBC.ca[Canada - BC] EducationPlannerBC: The one-stop-shop for planning post-secondary paths at schools like BCIT, SFU, and UVic. EducationPlannerBC.ca[Canada - BC] Skills Ready: Focused on the "Skilled Trades" mentioned by BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey as the backbone of BC’s 2026 economy.  SkillsReady.ca[UK] National Careers Service (Parents' Guide): They offer a specific "Help a young person" section. It includes a "Skills Health Check" that parents can help their kids take.  nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice·       [USA] CareerOneStop (Get My Future): A youth-focused portal designed for ages 14–24, but excellent for parents of 9–12 year olds to look at "Career Clusters. careeronestop.org/getmyfuture#JoinTheFray #SpringBreakBC #BCED #STEMCanada#FutureReadyBC #CareerExploration #SkilledTrades #VancouverParents#YouthInnovation #BCPolicy