PODCAST · education
What's Literacy?
by Literacy Quebec
Welcome to What's Literacy? by Literacy Quebec, a community-based podcast for English-speaking, lifelong literacy learners in Quebec. Our host, Dan Laxer, explores topics around community building, lifelong curiosity, and the multiple types of literacy. It's incredible what we can learn from each other!
Episodes
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Episode 97 - Food Literacy: More Than What We Eat | Community Spotlight: CHSSN
In honour of Health Literacy Month, Dan chats with Maude Perreault, a registered dietitian, researcher, and assistant professor at the Université de Montréal, about how our budgets, emotions, values, and life stage shape the food choices we make. What does food literacy look like in everyday…
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Episode 96 - International Literacy Day Special: Paul Rosen's Story
A special International Literacy Day episode featuring Paul Rosen, former Canadian ice sledge hockey goalie, two-time gold medalist, and literacy advocate. Paul shares his career story, experiences with literacy and other challenges, and what inspires him to support others. Paul’s story is human,...
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Episode 95 - Literacy 101 with Literacy Quebec | Community Spotlight: RDN
In this episode, get to know Literacy Quebec’s new Executive Director, Faye Siluk, as she joins Dan for a conversation about what literacy really means, how it shapes our everyday lives, and why it matters to all of us. Plus, hear about International Literacy Day coming up on September 8th! In…
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Episode 94 - Opening Doors: Literacy and Employment, Featuring Member Spotlight
In our latest episode, host Dan Laxer sits down with Nicholas Salter, Executive Director at Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT), and John Buck, President and CEO at CEDEC, to explore the connection between literacy and employment. Together, they discuss how literacy serves as a foundational...
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Episode 93 - Inside Volunteer Literacy Tutoring + Member Spotlight
In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 19–25), we’re proud to shine a spotlight on an incredible volunteer making a difference. Hear from special guest Kirtan Varasia, a dedicated volunteer tutor with RECLAIM Literacy, as he shares his experiences, what he’s learned through…
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Episode 92 - Adult Learning with Lina Shoumarova from QUESCREN, Featuring Member Spotlights on Wendy Seys (Yamaska Literacy Council) and Michelle Osbourne (Quebec City Reading Council)
In celebration of Adult Learners’ Week (March 29–April 4, 2026), Dan chats with Lina Shoumarova, Senior Research Associate at Quebec English-Speaking Communities Research Network (QUESCREN), about what adult learning can look like and why it matters. Plus, hear a sneak preview of our upcoming...
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Episode 91 - Tax is Not a Season with Ronika Khanna (CPA, CA, CFA), Featuring Member Spotlight on Françoise Bravay from CVLC
In this episode, Dan is joined by Ronika Khanna (CPA, CA, CFA) from Montreal Finance to break down the essentials of income taxes and the real power of financial literacy. From understanding why filing matters to practical tips that make tax season more manageable (and far less intimidating),...
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Episode 90 - World Read Aloud Day with Children's Author Sara O'Leary, Featuring Member Spotlight on Darlene Brown from TLE
In this episode, we're celebrating World Read Aloud Day! Held on the first Wednesday of every February, this day highlights the power of reading aloud in building community and promoting literacy. To honour this day, Dan chats with children's author Sara O'Leary about her work and the benefits…
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Episode 89 - Mental Health and Literacy with Tracy Woodward, Featuring Member Spotlight on Julia Asselstine from Literacy Unlimited
In this episode, Dan speaks with Tracy Woodward, Social Integration Skills Instructor at Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB), about the impact of mental health on literacy skills. Tracy shares her experiences at the Douglas Mental Health Institute, where she helps individuals reintegrate into...
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Episode 88 - Exploring AI with Charlotte Nurse from Canada Learning Code, Featuring Member Spotlights with Greg Graham from WQLC and Angelina Leggo from EQLC
Have you ever heard of the term "AI literacy"? In this episode, Dan chats with Charlotte Nurse, Director of Programs at Canada Learning Code. Charlotte unpacks what AI really is, how it works, and how we can use it responsibly and effectively, such as a tool to enhance learning and boost...
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Episode 87 - Let’s Talk Money This Financial Literacy Month: Conversations with Li Zhang from CPA Canada, Featuring Rachel Wagner from South Shore Literacy Council
Talking about money can often feel anxiety-inducing for many of us...but it doesn't have to be. Join host Dan Laxer as he chats with Li Zhang, Director of Social Impact and Financial Literacy Leader at CPA Canada. Li leads CPA Canada’s Financial Literacy Program and Indigenous Mentorship Program,...
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Episode 86 - Unlocking Health Literacy: Conversations with Therese Callahan from ARC, Featuring Marlene Dagenais from Laurentian Literacy Centre!
Join Dan Laxer as he chats with Therese Callahan, the Community Outreach Coordinator at Assistance and Referral Centre (ARC), for an insightful conversation on health literacy! In this episode, they dive into the amazing work ARC does to help English-speaking Quebecers on the South Shore navigate...
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Episode 85 - Back to School with Joseph D'Intino (The Montreal Fluency Centre)
In time for back-to-school season, Dan chats with Joseph D'Intino, a psychologist (Ph.D.) from The Montreal Fluency Centre, about the challenges that children may experience when transitioning to new grades or schools. How can children and parents navigate these changes? Joseph offers his…
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Episode 84 - Melissa Racine - Screentime with MediaSmarts
In our latest epsiode, Dan chats with Melissa Racine from MediaSmarts about the challenges of managing screentime in today's digital age. They delve into practical strategies for balancing screen use, particularly for children and families. Melissa shares tips on setting limits, encouraging…
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Episode 83 - Julia Norcross - Preventing the Summer Slide
Join our host, Dan Laxer, as he welcomes Julia Norcross, Programs Manager at ABC Life Literacy Canada. They dive into the "Summer Slide"—the challenge of students losing some academic gains over summer break. Julia shares practical tips and creative strategies to help families keep their literacy...
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Episode 82 - Alix Adrien - Quebec Board of Black Educators, Diversity and Inclusivity in the Education System, and More
In this episode, Dan chats with Alix Adrien, a lifelong educator and President of the Quebec Board of Black Educators (QBBE), a nonprofit education and research institution committed to raising awareness on educational bias, as well as providing academic support and opportunities to communities…
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Episode 81 - Barbara Reid - Family Literacy Day
Join Dan Laxer and award-winning author and illustrator Barbara Reid in a special Family Literacy episode of the What’s Literacy? podcast. Together, they discuss the importance of learning together as a family, how to foster a love of reading in young children, and so much more. Tune in today and...
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Episode 80 - Elizabeth Robinson from ABC Life Literacy Canada - Financial Literacy Month
In the latest episode of What’s Literacy?, we have a new podcast host taking the mic! Dan Laxer is a writer with several years' experience in broadcast media and print journalism. He currently covers the west end for The Suburban, and teaches media and podcasting to elementary school students.…
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Episode 79 - Brigid Hayes - International Literacy Day
Today's episode is dedicated to International Literacy Day, which is observed annually on September 8th around the world. This day serves as a reminder for policymakers, practitioners, and the public about the crucial significance of literacy in building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable...
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Episode 78 - Enza Ciampanelli, Mie Cook, and Malena Maguiña from The Learning Exchange- Working with Adult Learners
Welcome to Episode 1 of season 12! Today’s episode is in honour of Adult Learners’ Week, which takes place every year during the first week of April. Adult Learners' Week recognizes the perseverance and achievements of adult learners who may be returning to school or learning a new skill, while...
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Episode 77 - Greg Birkett - Black Canadian History - Black History Month
Greg Birkett is an Ontario-based educational consultant, award-winning educator, author, playwright and slam poet. He is the co-presenter and co-developer of See Us, Learn Us: Teaching the Black Canadian Experience, a nationwide webinar for educators and education stakeholders in partnership with...
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Episode 76 - Kristin Dmytriw - Centre for Family Literacy
Kristin Dmytriw is the Director of Programs and Training at Centre for Family Literacy in Edmonton, Alberta, where she facilitates and adapts programs to meet the needs of families, and helps build capacity in communities by offering training and resources. In this episode, Laura speaks with...
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Episode 75 - Cyndi Owen - Boundaries and Self-Care
Cyndi Owen is a social worker, and has worked in the Public Health and Social Services field for about 15 years. Throughout her career, she has garnered comprehensive knowledge on the topic of boundaries and self-care. In this episode, Jessica speaks with Cyndi about why boundaries and self-care...
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Episode 74 - Nadia L. Hohn - Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors
Nadia L. Hohn is an award-winning author, children’s educator, and activist. In this episode, Jessica chats with Nadia about the importance of representation, diversity, and inclusion in children’s literature. Nadia’s website: https://www.nadialhohn.com/ Nadia’s YouTube channel:...
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Episode 73 - Matthew Johnson - Media Literacy
Matthew Johnson Director of Education from Media Smarts joins Niamh to talk about Media Literacy Week. Media Literacy Week - October 23rd - 27th "Media Literacy Week is an annual event promoting digital media literacy across Canada, taking place each October. Schools, libraries, museums and...
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Episode 72 - Jael Richardson - Author and FOLD Founder
Literacy Quebec team member, Jessica Leahy interviews Jael Richardson. Jael Richardson bio: Jael Richardson is the author of three books: The Stone Thrower: A Daughter’s Lesson, a Father’s Life (also adapted into a children’s book), Gutter Child, and Because You Are. She also founded and serves…
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Episode 71 - Heidi Rubin - Inclusive spaces
Heidi Rubin bio: With 25 years in the industry behind them, Heidi opened Infinity Movement with the mission of creating brave and inclusive space and building strength and resilience in the fitness world, one #rainbrojock at a time! Infinity Movement: https://www.infinitymovement.ca/ More on...
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Episode 70 - Roen Higgins performs
Roen's bio from www.roenhiggins.com: An award-winning Poet, Youth Educator, Inspirational Speaker, and Impact Coach. Her mission is to Elevate her audience with key life skills; such as resiliency, leadership, creative literacy, self-care & community well-being. What’s Literacy episode 57…
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Episode 69 - David A. Robertson - Canadian author and public speaker - Land Acknowledgements - Indigenous authors
Niamh talks with David about his work as an author and public speaker and how working with children and educators has enriched these roles. They also speak about land acknowledgements and how this relatively new practice can be as meaningful as possible. David A. Robertson (he, him, his) was the...
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Episode 68 - Liz Wheeler - Co-Founder of SecondhandStories.ca - NPO & Animal Microsanctuary
Liz Wheeler is the co-founder non-profit and micro animal sanctuary Secondhand Stories (https://www.secondhandstories.ca), based in Lombardy, ON. In this episode of What's Literacy? Jeff talks to Liz about her resident sanctuary rescue chickens, how books are helping raise the funds needed to…
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Episode 67 - Greg Birkett - Slam Poetry - Poetry Month
Greg Birkett, Educator, Writer, Slam Poet, Producer and Educational Consultant chats with Niamh about slam poetry for Poetry Month. Their conversation flows between education, poetry, performance, Black history, the Black Canadian experience, teaching resources and methodology. Gregory Birkett,...
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Episode 66 - Jonathan Bécotte & Jonathan Kaplansky - Author & Translator of "Like A Hurricane" or "Comme un ouragan"
Literacy Québec director Margo Legault interviews award-winning author Jonathan Bécotte and accomplished translator Jonathan Kaplansky and talks about one of M. Bécotte's recent books; "Like a Hurricane" (Comme un ouragan), its significance as a resource for youth struggling with discovering,...
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Episode 65 - Education via Hip Hop & The Headucatorz - RFTLOI Conference - Toronto 2023
Niamh sits down with Headucatorz for a chat about Hip Hop at the Reading For The Love Of It conference in Toronto. Hip Hop Headucatorz are a group of Ontario Teachers who believe in the use of Hip Hop culture to inspire and engage students.The Headucatorz are made up of DJs, producers, emcees,...
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Episode 64 - Black History Month - BCRC Montreal
Jeff interviews John Davids, research coordinator at the Black Community Resource Center (BCRC) in Montreal about their work and research in Quebec. Established in 1995, their mandate is to provide and implement professional innovative support services to individuals, communities, para-public and...
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Episode 63 - Family Literacy Series - ABC Life Literacy
Niamh interviews Ellie Tamura from ABC Life Literacy Canada in this Family Literacy themed episode. Event highlight - A Conversation with Jeremy Fisher Wednesday, January 25 at noon EST via Zoom Jeremy joins us again to discuss his work making music for young listeners, families, and everyone...
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Episode 62 - Family Literacy Series - Jeremy Fisher Part 2
FAMILY LITERACY SERIES Jaimie and Laura sit with Jeremy Fisher again as part of our Family Literacy series. About Jeremy: Jeremy Fisher is a three-time JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter based in Ottawa, Ontario. He has released 6 studio albums and his music has been featured on radio, in film,...
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Episode 61 - Family Literacy Series - Jeremy Fisher Part 1
FAMILY LITERACY SERIES Jaimie and Laura sit with Jeremy Fisher as part of our Family Literacy series. About Jeremy: Jeremy Fisher is a three-time JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter based in Ottawa, Ontario. He has released 6 studio albums and his music has been featured on radio, in film,...
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Episode 60 - Jeff speaks to Martin Silverstone - current editor of the Atlantic Salmon Journal, in his first ever What's Literacy? interview
Welcome to Season 10 Episode 3 of What's Literacy? by Literacy Quebec! In today's episode, Jeff interviews Martin Silverstone, editor-at-large of the Atlantic Salmon Journal. Already acquainted through their time playing for the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Rugby Football Club, Jeff digs into Martin's...
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Episode 59 - New Podcast hosts Niamh Devaney and Jeff Taylor are introduced with help from Jaimie Cudmore
Welcome to Season 10 Episode 2 of What's Literacy? by Literacy Quebec! In today's episode, Jaimie introduces the Podcast’s new hosts Jeff Taylor and Niamh Devaney. Niamh and Jeff talk a little bit about their backgrounds and plans for upcoming episodes, as well as what listeners can expect...
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Episode 58 - Quebec Elections 2022 & Special Announcement
Welcome to Season 10 Episode 1 of What's Literacy? by Literacy Quebec! In today's episode, we say goodbye to our dear friend and co-host, Chris Shee. Good luck Chris on your new adventures! You will be missed. With the Quebec provincial election coming up on October 3, 2020, we talk civic…
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Episode 57 - Creativity and building a life of learning with Roen Higgins and Linda Sparks!
Welcome to Season 9 Episode 5 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec! In today's episode, Jaimie sits down with Linda Sparks, who started her journalism career writing articles for the Aylmer Bulletin and the West Quebec Post, including her own weekly column entitled the Faces…
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Episode 56 - Talking Community Literacy & Financial Health with PennyDrops & Council for Anglophone Magdalen Islanders
Welcome to Season 9 Episode 4 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec! In today's episode, Jaimie catches up with Trevor Donovan, Chief Growth Officer, National Team from PennyDrops, a student-run organization to talk about their mission of helping Canadian youth make informed...
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Episode 55 - Celebrating Adult Learners with Lost for Words
Welcome to Season 9 Episode 3 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec! In today's episode, we celebrate Adult Learners with special guests from Lost For Words, a 3 episode series on SBS in Australia. The show follows amazing adult students on an intensive literacy course with…
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Episode 54 - Celebrating International Women's Day & Storytelling Day
Welcome to Season 9 Episode 2 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec! In today's episode, we are celebrating International Women's Day and International Storytelling Day with authors, illustrators, publishers and more!! Today, our guests are: Aisha Boubacar, author and...
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Episode 53 - Learning About Black History
Welcome to Season 9 Episode a of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec! In today's episode, we are celebrating Black History Month by re-sharing two great interviews that still very much resonate. We hear about how Black histories should be added to the curriculum and the steps we...
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Episode 52 - Raffi and Family Literacy Day!
Welcome to Season 8 Episode 6 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec! In today's episode, we celebrate Family Literacy Day with the one and only Raffi! Family Literacy Day is this Thursday, January 27th, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging…
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Episode 51 - Lost For Words Part 2 with Literacy Experts Joanne Medlin & Adam Nobilia
Welcome to Season 8 Episode 5 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec! In today's episode, we continue our focus on the groundbreaking Lost For Words, a 3 episode series on SBS in Australia. The show follows host Jay Laga'aia, literacy experts Joanne Medlin & Adam Nobilia, and...
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Episode 49 - The power of literacy in your life with the Green Phantom wrestler, Money Matters with ABC Life Literacy & Telehealth Program for Older Adults
Welcome to Season 8 Episode 3 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec! In today’s episode, we explore the theme: the power of your story! So many nuggets of wisdom in this episode from our wonderful guests! We have very distinct guests, but they all speak to building connections...
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Episode 48 - Inspiring people through storytelling and civic literacy with MNA Greg Kelley and Suspicious Fish
Welcome to Season 8 Episode 2 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec! In today’s episode…. We continue our theme of civic literacy and also talk about how storytelling can help strengthen communities with our special guests: Greg Kelley, MNA (Member of the National Assembly of…
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Episode 47 - Getting involved in the Municipal Elections through civic literacy with Sterling Downey and Elections Montreal
Welcome to Season 8 Episode 1 of What's Literacy Got To Do With It? by Literacy Quebec! In today's episode, we have two very special guests who will share their perspectives and encourage you to head back to the polls on November 6 and 7th; with the federal elections still fresh in our minds, you...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to What's Literacy? by Literacy Quebec, a community-based podcast for English-speaking, lifelong literacy learners in Quebec. Our host, Dan Laxer, explores topics around community building, lifelong curiosity, and the multiple types of literacy. It's incredible what we can learn from each other!
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Literacy Quebec
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does What's Literacy? have?
What's Literacy? currently has 94 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is What's Literacy? about?
Welcome to What's Literacy? by Literacy Quebec, a community-based podcast for English-speaking, lifelong literacy learners in Quebec. Our host, Dan Laxer, explores topics around community building, lifelong curiosity, and the multiple types of literacy. It's incredible what we can learn from each...
How often does What's Literacy? release new episodes?
What's Literacy? has 94 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to What's Literacy? on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts What's Literacy??
What's Literacy? is created and hosted by Literacy Quebec.
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