Almost 107

This episode of Almost 107, hosted by Margaret Laver, examines how fibre arts such as knitting, crochet, and sewing are often undervalued as art forms. It explores how these practices shifted from recognized skilled trades to work associated with the domestic sphere, and how that history continues to shape how they are perceived today, particularly in relation to gender and labour. This episode features interviews with fibre artists Erin Thorp and Reid Adam, who discuss the skill, time, and value involved in their work.

In this episode of almost 107, we’ll be going to Salthaven, an animal rehabilitation center based in mount brydges. Here we’ll learn about what goes into owning a rehabilitation center and some struggles that go into it, along with meeting some cute animals along the way.

In this episode of Almost 107, host Naomi uncovers the history behind third spaces, why they’re so important to community members, and maintaining human connection at a time of social isolation. They talk to a local organization founder, Cassidy Pelacek, to learn more about running third spaces, getting people involved, and how to combat social and societal barriers that come with meeting in new environments.

In this episode, Margaret Laver explores the legacy of The Black Parade, the 2006 album by My Chemical Romance. The episode looks at the album’s concept, its theatrical influences, and how it fits into the tradition of rock concept albums. Music journalist Alan Cross, host of The Ongoing History of New Music, joins the conversation to discuss the album’s place in rock history and its connection to third-wave emo. The episode also examines how the story and mythology surrounding The Black Parade have continued to evolve, including through the band’s 2025 Long Live: The Black Parade tour.

XFMs Jayden Davis and Josh Chen sit down with Video Game Theory professor Robert Muhlbrock and Video Game Design student Graeme Miller. We discuss the affect live service games have on the industry, the players, and the ongoing trends for Online games.

In this episode of Almost 107, host Naomi and co-host Logan will dive into why art education is important, at a time when art programs are being cut and art students are facing major losses. They speak to a recent graduate of the Fanshawe College Fine Arts program, an art student in their third year, and an industry professional to learn more about how to support young artists and shed a light on the value of keeping art creation within our post-secondary schools.

This podcast highlights lesser-known stories in London, Ontario’s history. In this episode, we explore London’s origins, the story of the city’s first Black chapel, and the history behind Irish immigration to the area. Through these conversations, we highlight the importance of history and why these stories should continue to be shared. To bring these stories to life, we visited three different locations across the city and spoke with local historians and experts.

Canada is coming off a year with high election activity. We saw the Liberals win a fourth straight mandate in a snap election, and provincial elections in Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, and Nunavut. However, you may have noticed some new names on your ballot such as the People’s Party of Canada, and the Canadian Future Party. Canada is a multi-party system, but the political landscape seems more and more crowded by the day. Do these parties have any chance of succeeding on a national level, or will they be lost to time? Join hosts Ede Brecevic and Jacob Weirmier as they speak to experts, and uncover whether Canada’s fringe parties can hang with the powerhouses.

There recent studies showing an increase in reptile ownership in Canada, mainly with Generation Z. Hosts Evan Frederiksen, James Burnard and Michell Corrigan will talk with students around Fanshawe College about the interest of keeping a reptile. They also got insight with Ashley Maika from Reptilia, a reptile zoo based in Ontario. She explains the in-depth care that is required to have a reptile and what Reptilia does for the reptile community.

FSU presidential candidate Harsh Rana shares his journey as an international student and explains how rising costs, job struggles, and mental health challenges pushed him to run for Fanshawe Student Union President. He discusses his plans to make student life more affordable and ensure student voices are heard across campus.

This episode explores the many forms risk can take shape in people's lives---from internal shifts that push one towards reinvention, to the vulnerability of romance, to trusting the unknown. Hosts Melissa Ghanoum and Lexi Saldana guide listeners through the intimate stories of newcomer Karsten Rigel Talamor and life coach Jen Slay, revealing the change, fear, and courage that emerge when people choose to take a leap of faith.

Join host Melissa Ghanoum as she uncovers what life is really like after you move out on your own. Through honest stories from young adults experiencing independence, and insight from life coach Sabine Hildebrandt and a Funny Keynote speaker Tim Gard. This episode explores the lonely nights, personal growth, and surprising lessons that come with living alone. If you live alone or planning to, this episode is for you.

Play-by-play announcing is one of the most influential parts of sport. A sports environment is one of the most exciting atmospheres you can attend. Nothing tops the lively crowd, and the non-stop action. When those big moments happen, a broadcaster's passion and emotion transcends just the stadium. Even if you're not at the game, the announcer will make sure you feel that moment, no matter where you are. Join hosts Ede Brecevic and Jacob Weirmier as they talk to two notable names in Southwestern Ontario's broadcasting world, and break down what play-by-play adds to a broadcast.

Join host Melissa Ghanoum as she uncovers what life is really like after you move out on your own. Through honest stories from young adults experiencing independence, and insight from life coach Sabine Hildebrandt and a Funny Keynote speaker Tim Gard. This episode explores the lonely nights, personal growth, and surprising lessons that come with living alone. If you live alone or planning to, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Almost 107, host Lexi Saldana sits down with Chantal Ladrazo Corpuz to discuss their experiences living as a Filipino-Canadian. The episode delves into what it means to be Filipino, preserving culture while living outside the Philippines, and the sociology behind cultural integration.

Music is one of the biggest forms of media, and with the internet giving listeners easier access to what they love, how do people form their personal music taste in the first place? In this episode hosts Evan Frederiksen and James Burnard explore the psychology behind why people are drawn to different genres of music. The discussion also examines how people who say they “listen to everything” relate to music, and how age influences musical preferences beyond the age of music someone listens. Joining the conversation is Bruce Ferwerda, a professor from Jönköping University who has done research on music preference, and Arkade, a DJ who will share their perspective as someone who creates the medium people listen to.

In this episode of Almost 107, Parasdeep Singh talks with Daniel, Vice President of the Black Students Club at Fanshawe College, about how the club creates a welcoming space for all students. From social events to career and study support, the episode highlights connection, culture, and inclusion plus tips on handling discrimination and finding your place on campus. Follow the club on Instagram at Black Students Club Fanshawe to get involved.

Hosts Emily Kim and Finn Dermo explore how different foods reach overseas markets. Food scientist Karen Cardona speaks to how businesses develop a food product. Professor Garrett Gaudet explains how he teaches budding entrepreneurs to grow a respected brand.

In this episode, hosts Logan Libiec, Noah Paradis and producer Hayden King explore the impacts of mental health on student athletes. They speak with a college basketball player and award winning sports broadcaster to learn about their experiences and the changes they feel are needed to change the stigma.

For nearly 50 years, 106.9 The X has been a hands-on training ground for Fanshawe College students in broadcasting and journalism. As the station enters its final academic term, this episode looks inside the final months of 106.9 and examines why it is coming to an end, the role it played in student training, and what the future may hold for broadcast learning at Fanshawe. Featuring interviews with Fanshawe College dean Mary Harrison, current student Emily Slachter, and former student Alessio Donnini, now a reporter with CBC London, the episode explores the impact of a campus radio station that helped prepare generations of students for careers in media.

This episode of ALMOST 107 covers skateboarding culture and how it encourages self-expression. Hosts Laura Carlit and Finn Dermo explore a club for LGBTQ+ people and women to try out the sport. Co-founder BoWaine Ma discusses the impact of Siren Section Skate and Surf. London Skateboarding Cooperative’s Jimmy Travis also chimes in to talk about skateboard infrastructure.

In this episode, hosts Emily Kim and Hayden King explore the theatre industry in London, Ont., speaking to the executive director of The Grand Theatre and the director of culture and entertainment tourism at Tourism London to get their insight.

In this podcast hosts Logan Libiec & Noah Paradis discuss what the future of MMA will look like after streaming giant Paramount + bought the rights to stream the fights. Special guests in this episode include former title challenge Mark Hominick along with lifelong UFC fan Noah Thorogood.

Misinformation about Islam spreads quickly online, and the impact it has real-world implications. I speak with London Muslim Mosque Senior Imam Mohamed Al Jammali about common misconceptions regarding Islam and how Muslims in the community are affected. This episode also explores why dialogue and direct connection matter.

People don’t really know why or when people started to dance, some theories suggest that it could have been one of the first ways humans communicated with each other, or it could have started as a celebration ritual. We’ll never know why we started dancing in the first place but we can ask why people continue to dance! Joshua Chen sat down with Michelle Corredor, a dancer for BRDRless studios to talk about cultural dancing, competitive dancing, and why dancing is important to her.

Is the future of entertainment going back to the roots buying physical rather than digital?

In this episode of Almost 107, we explore the growing world of thrifting why it’s becoming so popular, how it helps the environment, and what really happens to donated clothes. Joined by fashion designer Cameron Lang, we break down the basics in simple, real-life terms: how to spot good-quality items, why older clothes can last longer, and how thrifting reduces waste while supporting local communities. Whether you’re a regular thrift shopper or someone who’s never walked into a second-hand store before, this episode offers practical tips, surprising insights, and a new way of thinking about the clothes we buy. Tune in and discover how small changes in your shopping habits can make a big difference for your wallet and for the planet.

In this episode, host Margaret Laver explores the role public libraries play in Canadian communities today. It features conversations with London Public Library CEO Michael Ciccone and Hamilton library users Rich and Anne. Through their experiences, the episode explores how libraries support residents through free resources, technology, community programs, and welcoming public spaces for people of all ages.

In this episode of Almost 107, our host Naomi covers grieving the death of a loved one during the “most wonderful time of the year". They speak to a local author who lost both her parents, and a Master’s student with both professional and academic grief experience to learn more about how someone can survive a blue Christmas.

In this episode of Almost 107, our host Naomi covers queer fashion and what it means to stand out from gender norms in Western society. They speak to a professor from Western University, a local Fashion Designer, and Master's Student in Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies to learn more about how the rules of fashion are being broken and the history that has impacted modern fashion trends.

In this episode of Almost 107, host Daniel Monroy explores the emotional and often challenging journey of South American youth immigrating to Canada through the personal story of Tomás, a 21-year-old Colombian who has lived in Canada for nearly six years. Tomás opens up about his life in Colombia, growing up in a humble neighborhood, attending a makeshift school, and watching his family struggle with unstable, unfair working conditions. He recalls how economic pressure and his mother’s health pushed his family to take a risk and start over in Canada. He describes the painful process of leaving home at just 15. Tomás reflects on the reality of adapting to a new culture: the loneliness, the fear of being bullied, struggling with English. As he looks to the future, Tomás is honest about his uncertainty. Though he appreciates Canada’s safety and stability, he dreams of eventually living elsewhere. This episode highlights resilience, cultural identity, and the quiet sacrifices young immigrants make as they rebuild their lives far from where they were born.

In this episode of Almost 107, Fanshawe College journalism student Daniel Monroy investigates a question circulating across headlines, forums, and feeds: Is sneaker culture actually dying? Daniel traces the evolution of sneakers from the 1800s invention of vulcanized rubber to the rise of Nike, Adidas, Air Jordans, and the Yeezy era. He breaks down how drop culture, scarcity marketing, celebrity collaborations, and resale platforms shaped an industry that peaked between 2020 and 2022—before crashing into today’s cooling hype and oversaturated market. To understand the decline locally, Daniel visits N4E1, the last remaining sneaker boutique in London, Ontario, where owner Kish reflects on overproduction, declining quality, rising prices, the surge of high-quality replicas, and the “full circle” return to a pre-hype era when Jordans sat on shelves. The episode also features London rapper and fashion enthusiast 2Divine, who offers a cultural lens on reps, shifting style trends, and the evolving relationship between sneakers, hip-hop, and youth identity. Together, their insights reveal a complex landscape: fading hype, a changing consumer base, and an industry struggling with inflation and oversupply—yet still capable of rebirth. As Daniel concludes, sneaker culture isn’t gone; it’s resetting, waiting for its next spark.

XFM's Jayden Davis talks with Fanshawe film professor John Plantus about Star Wars, it's community and what makes it special. Fanshawe's Advanced Filmmaking Program Coordinator talks about the creator perspective when making movies.

League of Legends has continually been one of the worlds biggest video games and esports titles for close to a decade now. Over the years League of Legends has gone through multiple ups and downs, which include major sports teams like the Golden State Warriors investing in a pro league team, crypto sponsorships, and the hit show Arcane. Over the games lifespan, North America has yet to win a World Championship and many fans are getting tired of watching their teams lose which eventually affected how popular the game became. Joshua Chen, sat down with Ijlaal “Scalar” Abdali a former player for the Western league of legends team who is currently their coach, and Mustafa “Randomcandy” Keskin who also played alongside scalar and currently is the coach for the Fanshawe Fuel League of legends team. We talked about what its like to play professionally, why we fall so far behind compared to Asia in competition, and if league of legends even has a future in North America.

XFM's Jayden Davis got a chance to talk to Brent Jackson, lead singer and songwriter for "The Sunshine Makers", as well as Sam Allen, the lead singer and songwriter for "Run Coyote". In this episode we discuss the music scene in London, and how community and support affect the art.

Take a look into the world of London's local drag scene featuring performers such as Double D Lilah and God Forbid

This episode of Almost 107 breaks down how to get into Dungeons & Dragons without the confusion or intimidation. Host Margaret Laver speaks with two guests: Ewan Dekker, a young Dungeon Master who’s been running games for nearly half his life, and Morgan Corvidae, a long-time player and DM with over 14 years of tabletop roleplaying experience. They explain what D&D really is, how to find a group, what you actually need to start playing, and why the game means so much to the people who love it.

This episode analyzes the abundance of slang used by generation alpha (those born starting in the early 2010s). With the great amount of slang, it feels like they are talking another language. We will talk with Professor Richard Moll from the University of Western Ontario to talk about how English has evolved. With that Information we can then investigate and decipher if the English language is changing from generation alpha.

Join host Melissa Ghanoum as she talks with 20-year-old Dalan Frook, who shares how his first love shaped him long after it ended, and Jennifer Slay, a life coach and counselor who explains why we never truly forget our first love and how heartbreak can lead to healing. It’s a heartfelt look at the kind of love that changes us, stays with us, and teaches us who we are.

As the music industry remains a boys' club, host Lexi Saldana explores the barriers and struggles women in the industry face--from being overlooked in creative roles to fighting for respect and recognition. Featuring lead singer Konejo Girum of Lua Sol and singer-songwriter and Fanshawe College Music Industry Arts alumni Meaghan Bender, this episode highlights the voices pushing for equality, ownership, and cultural representation in music.

In this episode, we will take a deeper dive into whether human civilization will ever exist on Mars. We will be talking to students from Fanshawe College and Dr. Catherine Neish, who is a Western University professor and NASA researcher. With these insights, we will learn if civilization on Mars is truly possible or if the planet will remain forever uninhabited.

My 2026 goal is to fix my sleep schedule. I’ve been staying up too late on my phone, and it leaves me tired, slow, and stressed the next day. This year, I want to sleep earlier, put my phone away at night, and wake up with more energy. Better sleep will help me focus, feel calmer, and enjoy my mornings again. Join me as I work on building a healthier routine for the new year!

In this episode, we will talk about how technology has lead to a decline in traditional reading. Carmi Levy, Emma Duerden and others will contribute to this story.

COVID-19 was a very weird time all around. With concerns of the pandemic shutting down the world, kids and adults alike logged on via the digital world in order to work or learn, but did the shutdowns enhance technology in schools? What are the benefits and challenges of eLearning, and would students rather use Google Classroom or D2L? Join Ede Brecevic as he speaks with experts and Fanshawe students to get to the bottom of the modern state eLearning is in.

In this episode, Lexi Saldana is joined by Jonathan Hudson, the owner and designer of local brand "V.F.O.S" to unpack the environmental cost of fashion and the importance of originality. Diving deep into screen printing, textile waste, and greenwashing, they explore how fashion can evolve responsibly without compromising creativity and environmental consciousness.

This episode explores what it is like to be a content creator beyond what they post. We will talk with Adam Buckley, the person behind the YouTube channel ADoseofBuckley with 535 000 subscribers. From the live streaming platform Twitch, we have Kevin Robinson who streams from the channel Muttski with 13 000 followers. With both content creators we will be able to get a glimpse of what it's like behind the scenes.

They say love starts from within but what if the person you struggle to love most is yourself? Join host Melissa as she sits down with Amar Hisso, a recent High school graduate who shares her story of insecurity and growth, and Jeff A.D. Martin, a motivational speaker helping people find purpose through pain. It’s an honest, emotional look at what self-love truly means in a world that keeps telling you you’re not enough.