INSIDE STORIES People in Places Podcast

Send us Fan MailPhoto Credit: Darius Bashar This episode was recorded on site at Camp Reset 2024, which takes place annually on the land at Camp Walden in Palmer Rapids, Ontario. This land is the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabek people. We honour the enduring presence of them and all First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people. This region is recognized as part of Treaty 27 in twenty-seven and a half lands, which are the ancestral lands of Indigenous nations who have stewarded these territories for Millenia. Reset is committed to respecting and learning from their deep knowledge and cultural practises and to supporting efforts toward reconciliation, sovereignty, and self-determination. Reset was invited to host a camp here in 2019, by Camp Walden, who are the stewards of this land and host a magical, all-gender, private, overnight camp here for kids every summer.Adil Dhalla-Kim (AKA Moonlight) talks about his origin story, his struggle growing up with his own multi-faceted identity and sense of belonging, and where his inclinations for community organizing were seeded. Adil shares how he came to be a part of Reset during a period of burnout when he most needed what Reset offers. We talk about Reset's vision for breaking down the barriers that create divisiveness among us, countering patriarchy and supremacy through the practise of play, and Reset's intention for fostering kindness and connection. GUEST BIO: Adil Dhalla-Kim is a Co-Founder and the Executive Director for Reset. Informing and inspiring Adil's path are countless teachers and professional experiences including being the former Board Chair for the StopGap Foundation, the Executive Director at the Centre for Social Innovation, the Managing Director at Artscape's Launchpad, the Executive Producer of Toronto for Everyone, a Community Organizer on the Obama campaign, the Maestro for Project Ukulele Gangsterism, a Facilitator of One Big Hug and a Co-Founder of My City Lives, one of the world’s first mobile video applications. In 2022, the Wolf Willow Institute recognized Dil as a Positive Deviant for his bold, unconventional, and sometimes misunderstood strategies in tackling complex challenges.Moonlight would like to acknowledge his seven co-founders: Aunty Awake, Black Panther, Moonbeard, Monkey, Red, Helios, and Meta, along with the current Reset Board: Aunty Awake, Cocoa, Deja Vu, Giggle Fit, Wonderlust, and Yucca, and the current Camp Reset Collective and Reset staff: Bliss, Carebear, Co-Creatrix-D, Goons, Joyfull-1, Paradise, Pom, Praxis, Prime Time, Rise, Sparkles, Rain, and King A Hearts. Reset is co-created by this phenomenal Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailLyndsay Cloughley (AKA 24/7) talks about the impact twenty-one summers spent at Camp Walden has had on her life and how it has shaped her as an individual, a woman, and a leader. We discuss her educational pursuits and desire to effect change within within the system of policing for the betterment of it and society as a whole. And Lyndsay shares her experience of Camp Reset from her unique vantage point in the kitchen at Camp Walden. This is a very special conversation. Lyndsay Cloughley, known affectionately by Resetters as 24/7, is a most beloved, cherished, and figural member of Camp Reset. In her role as Dining Hall Manager & Co-Kitchen Coordinator at Camp Walden, she is the keystone in ensuring no camper goes hungry. The love and care that goes into food preparation at camp is evident in every bite. 24/7 and her team truly go above and beyond, and our gratitude overflows. GUEST BIO: Lyndsay categorizes herself as someone who likes the unknown. She thrives on adventure and is an information seeker, who considers herself a professional student with two college diplomas, two university degrees, and another on the way. Any chance to get away and see an unknown place...she's in! She loves sports: to play, to analyze, and to debate—Michael Jeffrey Jordan will always be the GOAT (Lyndsay's words). When she commits to something, she's all in, which is evident in most aspects of her life...friends, work, school, play, and certainly in her commitment to giving us the best possible experience every year in the Camp Reset Munchery. Camp Reset is held annually at Camp Walden, in Palmer Rapids, near Bancroft, Ontario. Inside Stories and Reset acknowledge all those who came before us, the stewards of the land past and present, the enduring presence of First Nations, including the Chippewas and Mississaugas. We express our deepest gratitude for all kith and kin who come together to allow Camp Reset to be situated in this place at this time. Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailAzin Soltani (AKA Wonder Shine) talks about having to flee Iran as a child as a result of the conflict that sprung out of the 1979 Revolution, her formative years in Sweden and later Canada, and her connection to her ancestral roots. She discusses her feelings of being a bridge between generations and the responsibility that comes with being a keeper of the stories—the importance, for her, of legacy-keeping and remembrance.  GUEST BIO: Azin Soltani is a facilitator, coach, experience designer and poet. Her passions lie at the intersection of storytelling (what are the stories we tell and live?), values-aligned collaborations, and self-actualization (how do we become the people, institutions and communities that we have the potential to be?). Azin spent the past decade working with a leading global development organization, where she led teams and collaborated on public engagement initiatives that promoted discussion and learning on global issues, and fostered partnerships, to build a future where we all thrive together. She is currently transitioning into a new life chapter; heeding dawning dreams and diving deeper into emerging areas of resonance in coaching, experience design, storytelling and artistic collaborations.The conversation begins with a sample from Surrender, an original song performed by Azin with her band Late Night Conversations.You can begin to learn more about Iran here.*You can begin to learn more about the Iranian Revolution here.*You can begin to learn more about the Iran-Iraq War here.* In this episode we reference Indigenous World View as discussed with Yucca. *It is important to stay mindful of the tendency toward the white washing of the histories of non-Western nations. I have provided links that are readily available via a quick Google search. Should you wish to study past and present Iran in depth, I suggest you dig into works by Iranian authors and artists, professors and poets, historians and journalists. Always examine the stories. Always check your sources. Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailPeter Katz (AKA P Kitty) talks about losing his sense of home and finding it again, the lessons he gained from Clowning, and the ways he creates the conditions that allow him and others to be fully present. Peter shares how he found his way back to the essence of himself and what that has meant for him. GUEST BIO: Peter Katz is a JUNO Award & Canadian Screen Award-nominated singer-songwriter who has spent the past 15 years touring internationally. He has been described by many of his fans and speaking clients as "a thunderbolt for the soul”.Renowned CBC radio host Tom Power described Peter’s music as “one of the most heartfelt, beautiful, and vulnerable records of the year... an astonishing record”. To date, his music has been streamed over 30 million times and his music videos have over 25 million views on YouTube. Peter is also one of Canada’s most in-demand speakers, being called on to give his highly customized ‘Keynote Concerts’ to countless companies and organizations across various industries.“His ability to connect is unlike anyone I’ve seen. To be the highest standard of being a storyteller is to be like Peter Katz.” –Jeff Pulver, Founder of VonagePeter can be found on the world wide web at peterkatz.com.The book Peter references by Amanda Palmer is The Art of Asking. Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailKiona Mercer-Tremblay (AKA Sunshine) talks about her life growing up in Canada's foster care system, how that experience shaped her and still informs her experiences and interactions to this day. She also talks about what a gift meditation has been and shares the legacies of her parents, Maurice and Bernadette. Have your tissues close at hand, this is an emotional and heart-rending story of courage, resilience, and ultimately...love. GUEST BIO: Kiona Mercer-Tremblay is a passionate being, sister, partner, friend, and a healer. Through Brown Hills Wellness and meditation, she continues to expand her mind and her growth reflects through her own learnings and facilitations. Kiona is on her path of healing herself and community through affordable and accessible casual meditations.Kiona's wellness offerings can be accessed via Brown Hills Wellness and she will be leading the Heart Opening Ceremony at Camp Reset 2024. Shout out to Katie at Boter Bloem Bakery for Kiona's introduction to Reset. The selected poem, wishes, read by Kiona in this episode, can be found on Page 34 of Lara Margaret Marjerrison's poetry collection grief & loss & love & sex.::i wish you more laughter than tears more excitement than fears more joy than sorrow a richer tomorrow i wish you bliss and blessings from below and above most of all i wish you love wishesSupport the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailDavid Jerome (AKA Play Write) talks about his "loss of faith" moment, the impact it had upon his sense of belonging, and how it led him to truth-seeking in all contexts. We discuss the moral moment the world is having, cancel culture, and the downside of inclusion. David casts his light on the concept of grace and the nature of all things and all that is. In this timely and thought-provoking episode, David gives listeners much to consider. GUEST BIO: David is a Toronto-born writer, playwright, speaker, teacher, and therapist in training. With a background as a former minister, he brings a unique perspective to his work. David is known as a thought leader in discussions surrounding race, identity, masculinity, well-being, and restorative practice. As a writer and playwright, he delves into grief, loss, shame, mental health, and truth-telling themes. David is the author of Pray You Break his self-published poetry collection, and is also developing a new piece centred on the GRACE Principle, a framework he created during his time as a college lecturer and corporate DEI educator.Find David and Pray You Break at DavidLewisPeart.com. Like David, Pray You Break  is a rare and exquisite expression of life and love. The words. The imagery. Its truth. The book takes its reader on a heart-rending journey.Do yourself a favour…visit David’s page. Tap the link. Buy the book. Take in its words. Pray you break. The piano piece that accompanies David's reading of Pray You Break is by Dean Lobo (AKA Unlearn). Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailYucca talks about life growing up in Toronto's Little Jamaica, her soul-connection to nature and her Nahuat roots, and how her insatiable curiosity was born. She shares ideas for decolonizing finance and the ways each of us can benefit from adopting and integrating an Indigenous worldview into our daily lives. GUEST BIO: Yucca, a vibrant soul, who proudly identifies as a Mestiza woman having Pipil, Lenca, and Spanish ancestry stemming from Cuzcatlan, presently known as El Salvador. Yucca’s veins carry the spirit of her resilient Nahuat ancestor’s wisdom, love, and knowledge. She believes true well-being extends beyond the physical—embracing mental, emotional, and spiritual balance. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, or connecting in or with nature, she finds joy in fostering connections with self and others within the community. Her diverse identities and experiences shape and inform her worldviews, and she holds a strong belief that the work we do out lives us, that our contributions in life will serve those before us and those after us. Yucca has found and embraced her art—the art of painting financial pictures—and has the honour of playing the role of Treasurer with Reset. Yucca's quest for growth and knowledge is fuelled by her curiosity. She has the courage to ask questions and lots of them! She is super excited to embark on this next chapter with Reset. Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailPhoto Credit: Cherie WaiChristie Wong (AKA Pom) weaves together the fabric of her Self and brings us an episode that is contemplative and meditative while simultaneously challenging the status quo with each new thread revealed. She talks about what it means to her to find belonging in third culture, how integral art and creativity are to our human existence, and the ways she believes we can benefit from embracing ritual and slowing down.GUEST BIO: Christie is a 1.5-gen Hong Kong Canadian, third culture kid who happens to be a multidisciplinary artist and traveler working with natural pigments, textiles, photography, cacao, stories, and illustration. She thinks of herself as a visual poet and a gathering space for multitudes of ideas to alchemize into slices of aliveness.On the world wide web, Christie's can be found  here and here.  Follow and find her cacao-related content @sonder.tallerVestiges is one of Christie's original as-yet-unreleased musical offerings, written and sung by Christie, mixed and Mastered by Michael Friedman. The book referenced in this episode (and several others) is Belonging: Remembering Ourselves Home, by Toko-pa Turner. Other Resetters referenced in this episode who have the People of Reset Series' episodes of their own are Aunty Awake and Bliss.  At this time Five and Co-Creatrix D (CCD) have not been interviewed for the series. But you might find them at camp. Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailDarius Bashar (AKA Wolfee) gets right to the heart of the human condition in sharing what he sees when looking through the lens of his camera, and how he helps his subjects see what he sees (leaving this podcast host momentarily breathless in the process).  He discusses the impact growing up with seven fierce women had on his present-day existence—at which point we touch briefly on America Ferrera's iconic Barbie monologue—how he found his way to allowing play to influence every aspect of his life, and how Reset lifted him up from his personal rock-bottom and permanently changed his trajectory. GUEST BIO: Darius Bashar is a celebrated photographer who works with international celebrities, best-selling authors, and thought leaders such as Seth Godin, Liz Gilbert, Dr. Shafali, Jim Kwik, Danielle LaPorte, Lisa Nichols, and Masai Ujiri.His work has been featured in world-class publications such as TIME, Apple, Forbes, USA TODAY, Oprah.com, and others.Darius' specialty is working with speakers, authors, and thought-leaders and his signature photography experiences are his HEARTshots™ and Black + White Experience. In June 2022, Darius launched a new photography project called NoStrangers.art, which explores intimacy and connection, by taking photos of strangers on the streets of Toronto and asking them one deep question. Darius is also the founder of Artist Morning, which is an international community of artists, creators, and meditators. He has led and facilitated over 500 group meditations for thousands of people around the world. You can find Darius on the world’s most popular and largest meditation app, Insight Timer.Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailHima Batavia (AKA Aunty Awake) discusses her current works, exploring the ancestral stories we hold in our hair. She shares her deeply personal (and ongoing) journey into self-acceptance, and how the co-founding of Reset (yes, THIS Reset) came to pass. This is a very special episode with a truly remarkable woman. If you're curious about Reset's origin story, you'll want to keep it locked and loaded.  GUEST BIO: Hima Batavia (she/her) is an artist, cultural leader and community organizer based as a settler on the traditional territories of T'karonto. She is a co-founder, former co-director and now board member of a grassroots organization called Reset, which promotes social health through play and justice. Currently, she works with the Global Centre for Climate Action at OCAD University. Previously, she has collaborated with organizations including North York Arts, Artscape, Luminato, TED, Newest Magazine, Centre for Social Innovation, Hyman Digital, Staples Studio, Woodgreen Community Services, Parkdale People’s Economy on curatorial projects, learning experiences, design thinking processes, and festival programming and production.  Her artistic practice focuses on reimagining social systems by embodying a politic of care, interconnectedness, and well-being by applying critical research methods, world-building, decolonial gestures, and durational performance to create immersive and participatory experiences. Over the years, her work has been shown at Summerworks Festival, Geary Art Crawl, Myseum Intersections Festival, The Annex Hotel, and Kajal Magazine and covered in the Toronto Star. Most recently, she was awarded a Canada Council for the Arts grant to expand her show, Higher Hair.The episode begins with a moving and meditative audible excerpt from that durational performance as it was expressed at SummerWorks 2023 and upon which Hima collaborated with Nikola Steer, AKA Paradise.  Find Hima on Instagram @hima_batavia::RESET is a non-profit social enterprise that addresses loneliness by creating liminal and permanent social infrastructure including adult summer camp, pop-up playgrounds, and more.The Reset Living Room is located in Little Jamaica at 634 Vaughan Road in Toronto.Camp Reset is an annual four-day tech-free, "no-work-talk" immersive experience that takes place at a traditional summer camp in Bancroft, Ontario, where participants are invited to choose alternate names and engage in rest and play.At Camp Reset, Lara Margaret Marjerrison is known as Gem.After Camp Reset 2023, Gem/Lara found herself pondering what, specifically, brought together 250 people from such diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. The People of Reset Series is an exploration in search of the through-line.Learn more about Reset.Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailPhoto Credit: Zahra SiddiquiDean Lobo (AKA Unlearn) shares his brilliant perspective on what it means to be queer, the importance of grace, and how play and rest are radical acts in a world bent on transactional productivity. This conversation is as warm and wonderful as Dean himself. It's a treasure of an episode and could be used in educational settings the world over. GUEST BIO: Dean is a queer, racialized settler and a soul searcher. His immigration to Canada opened doors for him to explore and affirm his queerness, all while reflecting on the themes of self-identity, home, and belonging.A communicator at heart and by profession, Dean has actively championed 2SLGBTQ+ human rights through his work as a journalist, educator, and communications strategist.Dean is thankful to the Reset community for introducing him to the radical acts of rest and play, something he hopes to embody and put into daily practice, while unlearning what ceases to serve.The episode begins with a haunting cover, by Dean, of Coldplay's Fix You on the piano.Connect with Dean on Instagram @deanpianistLearn more about The 519.Purchase Shikhandi: And Other Tales They Don't Tell You.::RESET is a non-profit social enterprise that addresses loneliness by creating liminal and permanent social infrastructure including adult summer camp, pop-up playgrounds, and more.The Reset Living Room is located in Little Jamaica at 634 Vaughan Road in Toronto.Camp Reset is an annual four-day tech-free, "no-work-talk" immersive experience that takes place at a traditional summer camp in Bancroft, Ontario, where participants are invited to choose alternate names and engage in rest and play.At Camp Reset, Lara Margaret Marjerrison is known as Gem.After Camp Reset 2023, Gem/Lara found herself pondering what, specifically, brought together 250 people from such diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. The People of Reset Series is an exploration in search of the through-line.Learn more about Reset.Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailJeff Harry (AKA Uche) and I discuss the epidemic of loneliness, key contributors and potential solutions, the essential nature of play, and how it once stopped a war for a day. This episode is high energy and a bit of an intense ride. Buckle up! And stick around until the end, when Jeff shares two of his tried and true methods for welcoming play back into your life. Give them a try and let us know how you go.  GUEST BIO: Jeff Harry combines positive psychology and play to heal workplaces. He's been featured in the NY Times, Mashable, Upworthy, Huffpost, Shondaland, Wired, NPR, NatGeo, & Forbes.You can find Jeff on all socials @jeffharryplaysWatch a short film of the Christmas Truce of 1914 here. It really happened. Read more about the Blackfoot Nation's Beliefs here. If you are able to find an article on this topic by a Blackfoot author, I would love you to share the link with me please. ::RESET is a non-profit social enterprise that addresses loneliness by creating liminal and permanent social infrastructure including adult summer camp, pop-up playgrounds, and more.The Reset Living Room is located in Little Jamaica at 634 Vaughan Road in Toronto.Camp Reset is an annual four-day tech-free, "no-work-talk" immersive experience that takes place at a traditional summer camp in Bancroft, Ontario, where participants are invited to choose alternate names and engage in rest and play.At Camp Reset, Lara Margaret Marjerrison is known as Gem.After Camp Reset 2023, Gem/Lara found herself pondering what, specifically, brought together 250 people from such diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. The People of Reset Series is an exploration in search of the through-line.Learn more about Reset.Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailThis episode is dedicated to the family and friends of Michael Murray in his memory.  Nikola Steer (AKA Paradise) talks about her roots in the Thorncliffe Park neighbourhood of Toronto, her passion for weaving together contrasting and complimentary aspects of art and the architecture of life, and her passion for play and wonder. GUEST BIO: Nikola Steer is a polyonymous and multidisciplinary artist with an ever-expanding practice in visual, performance, photography-based, and immersive experience arts. She is perhaps best known for her award-winning burlesque career as Coco Framboise. In her creative consultancy she serves artists as a curious coach and savvy provocateur, and she collaborates with organizations to uplift values, catalyze contacts, and make deeper offerings. She considers wonder to be among her most passionate tools to re-human humanity. Those who know her best know that she’s a silly menace in the DMs, speaking mostly in GIFs after 10 pm. And if you can’t find her at a party, check under the piano — she knows it’s the most magical spot to lie in the room.::RESET is a non-profit social enterprise that addresses loneliness by creating liminal and permanent social infrastructure including adult summer camp, pop-up playgrounds, and more.The Reset Living Room is located in Little Jamaica at 634 Vaughan Road in Toronto.Camp Reset is an annual four-day tech-free, "no-work-talk" immersive experience that takes place at a traditional summer camp in Bancroft, Ontario, where participants are invited to choose alternate names and engage in rest and play.At Camp Reset, Lara Margaret Marjerrison is known as Gem.After Camp Reset 2023, Gem/Lara found herself pondering what, specifically, brought together 250 people from such diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. The People of Reset Series is an exploration in search of the through-line.Learn more about Reset.Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailBobby Beckett [AKA Bobby Valen] (AKA Reef) explores the question, "Who are you?", the critical need for a reexamination of how public spaces are designed and used, and lessons gleaned from observing life under water.  GUEST BIO: Bobby Beckett is Queer, Trans,  born and raised in Toronto, a creative producer, production manager of live events, and community organizer whose life’s work is to bring people together in all kinds of interesting ways. In their spare time you will find them in and/or under the water free diving, or dancing the night away.::RESET is a non-profit social enterprise that addresses loneliness by creating liminal and permanent social infrastructure including adult summer camp, pop-up playgrounds, and more.The Reset Living Room is located in Little Jamaica at 634 Vaughan Road in Toronto.Camp Reset is an annual four-day tech-free, "no-work-talk" immersive experience that takes place at a traditional summer camp in Bancroft, Ontario, where participants are invited to choose alternate names and engage in rest and play.At Camp Reset, Lara Margaret Marjerrison is known as Gem.After Camp Reset 2023, Gem/Lara found herself pondering what, specifically, brought together 250 people from such diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. The People of Reset Series is an exploration in search of the through-line.Learn more about Reset.Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailAnnisha Lashand (AKA Bliss) talks about sacred internal places and her relationship with trees, her struggle with integrating dualistic aspects of Self, and the moment she knew the People of Reset were her people.GUEST BIO: Annisha Lashand is a writer, artist, and healer. She's served as the Director of Marketing for two (going on three) years on Reset's Collective. She loves to flirt with life by traveling, dabbling, and making new friends.::RESET is a non-profit social enterprise that addresses loneliness by creating liminal and permanent social infrastructure including adult summer camp, pop-up playgrounds, and more.The Reset Living Room is located in Little Jamaica at 634 Vaughan Road in Toronto.Camp Reset is an annual four-day tech-free, "no-work-talk" immersive experience that takes place at a traditional summer camp in Bancroft, Ontario, where participants are invited to choose alternate names and engage in rest and play.At Camp Reset, Lara Margaret Marjerrison is known as Gem.After Camp Reset 2023, Gem/Lara found herself pondering what, specifically, brought together 250 people from such diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. The People of Reset Series is an exploration in search of the through-line.Learn more about Reset.Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailDanila Stone (AKA Cloud) talks about their place of origin, trusting their instincts in their journey  to Selfhood, and how they navigated the expectations of others while drawing their own roadmap. This conversation is, like Cloud, raw and real and at times hilarious. GUEST BIO: Danila Stone (they/them) is a multifaceted creative who explores and expresses their inner world and feelings of home and belonging through song, collage, writing, and ceramics. As an emerging artist, they enjoy learning through others and seeing where instinct takes them, with intention and guidance from ancestors and Black and Brown Queer kinfolkCloud's full story, told at at the December Edition of True Stories Told Live Toronto and referenced in the episode, can be found here.Cloud's song, sampled in the episode, can be found here.::RESET is a non-profit social enterprise that addresses loneliness by creating liminal and permanent social infrastructure including adult summer camp, pop-up playgrounds, community events, and more.The Reset Living Room is located in Little Jamaica at 634 Vaughan Road in Toronto.Camp Reset is an annual four-day tech-free, "no-work-talk" immersive experience that takes place at a traditional summer camp in Bancroft, Ontario, where participants are invited to choose alternate names and engage in rest and play.At Camp Reset, Lara Margaret Marjerrison is known as Gem.After Camp Reset 2023, Gem/Lara found herself pondering what, specifically, brought together 250+ people from such diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. The People of Reset Series is an exploration in search of the through-line.Learn more about Reset.Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailMonika (AKA Plantain) discusses her lived experience as a third-culture kid—the daughter of a Russian mother and Nigerian father—the gift of belonging everywhere and nowhere, how seeing her multi-faceted self in the faces of Reset is what drew her in, and the way the Reset community helps fulfill her need for "Vitamin I".   GUEST BIO: Monika is a vibrant, Black, mixed race, multilingual, cis woman who finds her place in intersections and in the margins. She was born on one continent, spent her early years on another, and then came to this continent, where she's lived ever since. Her heart sings when she feels like she's in community, when she's holding space for others, and when she's making or facilitating connections between people, ideas, or places. Plantain enjoys exploration, playfulness, salsa dancing, and lingering hugs. ::RESET is a non-profit social enterprise that addresses loneliness by creating liminal and permanent social infrastructure including adult summer camp, pop-up playgrounds, and more.The Reset Living Room is located in Little Jamaica at 634 Vaughan Road in Toronto.Camp Reset is an annual four-day tech-free, "no-work-talk" immersive experience that takes place at a traditional summer camp in Bancroft, Ontario, where participants are invited to choose alternate names and engage in rest and play.At Camp Reset, Lara Margaret Marjerrison is known as Gem.After Camp Reset 2023, Gem/Lara found herself pondering what, specifically, brought together 250 people from such diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. The People of Reset Series is an exploration in search of the through-line.Learn more about Reset.Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailRussell Winkelaar (AKA Spiff) discusses accessibility and the lack of it at all levels of society, simple solutions that could be immediately implemented, and the cost to society as a whole when the right voices are absent from the rooms in which accessibility decisions are made. In his gentle manner Russell offers perspective, humour, and humility. This is an important conversation and one from which everyone can benefit—for the sake of understanding and a more inclusive, and therefore better, world. GUEST BIO: Russell Winkelaar is a disability awareness advocate, an actor, and an artist living in Toronto. ::RESET is a non-profit social enterprise that addresses loneliness by creating liminal and permanent social infrastructure including adult summer camp, pop-up playgrounds, and more.The Reset Living Room is located in Little Jamaica at 634 Vaughan Road in Toronto.Camp Reset is an annual four-day tech-free, "no-work-talk" immersive experience that takes place at a traditional summer camp in Bancroft, Ontario, where participants are invited to choose alternate names and engage in rest and play.At Camp Reset, Lara Margaret Marjerrison is known as Gem.After Camp Reset 2023, Gem/Lara found herself pondering what, specifically, brought together 250 people from such diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. The People of Reset Series is an exploration in search of the through-line.Learn more about Reset.Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailArwyn Carpenter (AKA Gorge) talks about how he figured out he was Trans, the challenges and liberation of living into his true identity, the joy derived from his recent foray into the art of Burlesque (Stage Name: Gorge Michael), the fluidity of gender, and breaking down the colonization of bodies. GUEST BIO: Arwyn is a Queer Trans dancer, writer, and teacher, committed to decolonized arts practice. He holds an MFA in Dance from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and taught for the Toronto District School Board for 10 years, winning awards for excellence in elementary arts education. Arwyn co-runs Flight Festival of Contemporary Dance on Treaty 57, Prince Edward County, Ontario.::RESET is a non-profit social enterprise that addresses loneliness by creating liminal and permanent social infrastructure including adult summer camp, pop-up playgrounds, and more.The Reset Living Room is located in Little Jamaica at 634 Vaughan Road in Toronto.Camp Reset is an annual four-day tech-free, "no-work-talk" immersive experience that takes place at a traditional summer camp in Bancroft, Ontario, where participants are invited to choose alternate names and engage in rest and play.At Camp Reset, Lara Margaret Marjerrison is known as Gem.After Camp Reset 2023, Gem/Lara found herself pondering what, specifically, brought together 250 people from such diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. The People of Reset Series is an exploration in search of the through-line.Learn more about Reset.Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailGenevieve Melito (AKA Rain) talks about her journey of self-discovery after some major life changes, the perils of conflating productivity with self-worth,  why a fellow Resetter (Mars) likens her to a cartoon character, and how she (Rain) believes Reset is bound by magic.GUEST BIO: Genevieve Melito is currently on a search for self after completing her masters of management innovation and entrepreneurship and leaving her role with Queen’s University as a program manager. She is a co-chair for Camp Reset, and feels in her element when working on projects that creatively connect people. She loves dinosaurs and spending times outdoors. ::RESET is a non-profit social enterprise that addresses loneliness by creating liminal and permanent social infrastructure including adult summer camp, pop-up playgrounds, and more.The Reset Living Room is located in Little Jamaica at 634 Vaughan Road in Toronto.Camp Reset is an annual four-day tech-free, "no-work-talk" immersive experience that takes place at a traditional summer camp in Bancroft, Ontario, where participants are invited to choose alternate names and engage in rest and play.At Camp Reset, Lara Margaret Marjerrison is known as Gem.After Camp Reset 2023, Gem/Lara found herself pondering what, specifically, brought together 250 people from such diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. The People of Reset Series is an exploration in search of the through-line.Learn more about Reset.Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not. 

Send us Fan MailCover Photo Credit: Zahra Siddiqui, @the_invisiblemajoritye.m.lourde (AKA Duke) talks about music, courage, his connection to his faith and family, and his commitment to changing the collective narrative. You can find him on socials @e.m.lourde and on his YouTube channel: EMLOURDE. GUEST BIO: E.M. Lourde is a hip-hop musician born in St. Lucia; based in Toronto, Canada. Lourde uses music and film to tell stories that inspire black boys and girls to pursue their dreams. Lourde has collaborated with organizations such as Sportsnet, Team Canada, the Raptors, and Canadian Tire, with music placements on the TV Show "Alex Cross", and his Community Work through the organization Articulating Survival was awarded a Music Industry Certificate from the Clive Davis Institute at New York University. Lourde is currently developing his first production company called Almost Paradise as well as working on his sophomore album “Sun Valley”. The original poem, faith will be required by elemem (Lara Margaret Marjerrison), referenced in the podcast, can be found here and here . ::RESET is a non-profit social enterprise that addresses loneliness by creating liminal and permanent social infrastructure including adult summer camp, pop-up playgrounds, and more. The Reset Living Room is located in Little Jamaica at 634 Vaughan Road in Toronto. Camp Reset is an annual four-day tech-free, "no-work-talk" immersive experience that takes place at a traditional summer camp in Bancroft, Ontario, where participants are invited to choose alternate names and engage in rest and play. At Camp Reset, Lara Margaret Marjerrison is known as Gem. After Camp Reset 2023, Gem/Lara found herself pondering what, specifically, brought together 250 people from such diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. The People of Reset Series is an exploration in search of the through-line. Learn more about Reset.Support the show::INSIDE STORIES exists to foster connection in a world suffering and dying from disconnectivity. It seeks to examine the stories we tell and don’t tell and how that impacts us. The INSIDE STORIES PEOPLE in PLACES PODCAST examines specifically our relationship with Place and its influence on our ways of existing, our beliefs about ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging…or not.