YXE Underground

The Broadway Theatre holds a lot of meaning for people in Saskatoon. Some people go to the Broadway for live theatre, others come for movies, and if you're like me, you buy a seat to one of the many of the great concerts hosted by the venue. It really is a hub for Saskatoon's artistic and creative community and like many other venues in our city, it has been hurt by the pandemic.Kirby Wirchenko is the Executive and Artistic Director of the Broadway Theatre. Our relationship goes back to when I was a journalist at CBC and he was kind enough to let me know of a fundraising campaign that was going to be launched today to help the Broadway pay some bills. I thought a conversation with Kirby about how the Broadway has been impacted by Covid-19 and why now was the right time to ask the community for help would make a nice bonus episode of the podcast. I miss live music. I miss it so damn much. What worries me is by the time life returns to some sense of normalcy and artists are ready to tour again, there won't be venues for them to play. The Broadway Theatre is one of my favourite places to see a show in Saskatoon and I am confident our community will rally to help Kirby and his team reach their goal. I hope you enjoy this bonus episode, and if you want to learn more about some of Saskatoon's smaller live music venues, give this YXE Underground episode a listen! It takes you to several smaller venues that were set to be hosts for last April's Junofest music series. The festival didn't happen due to the pandemic, but you'll get a sense of how vibrant Saskatoon's music scene is and why it's important to so many people.Thanks to Kirby for reaching out to me and thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast app. Stream episodes on Spotify or the website. A brand new episode of YXE Underground drops November 12th.Stay safe and healthy, Saskatoon!Cheers...Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

About halfway through our conversation, Natalya Mason describes why she took part in this summer's Black Lives Matter protests in Saskatoon, and I love it when she says, "this wasn't my first protest."It offers you a hint of Natalya's character. She is passionate, caring, determined and not afraid to say what's on her mind and in her heart. Natalya is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Saskatoon Sexual Health. For the past six years, she has worked with different groups in Saskatoon, from elementary and high school students to newcomers and people with disabilities, on all things relating to sexual education. It turns out that this is her dream job and she tells a wonderful story at the beginning of our conversation about how her Mom set her down this path. Good storytelling is a theme in this episode. Natalya shares some insightful and humorous stories about her time in school classrooms and also opens up about being a black, queer woman in Saskatoon. Her past experiences, as well as the experiences of her family, really fuelled her passion to speak up during Saskatoon's Black Lives Matter protests. I am grateful to Natalya for sharing these stories as it's never an easy thing to do. I learned so much from Natalya during our conversation and I hope you do as well. She really is one of our community's strongest leaders and I am excited to see how she continues to impact people across Saskatoon.Thank you for listening and supporting this local, independent podcast. If you like what you hear, please give the podcast a five-star review and tell your friends! Subscribe to YXE Underground on Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast app. Stream episodes on Spotify or the website. I hope all of you are staying healthy and safe. Thank you again for listening and I hope you enjoy my conversation with Natalya!Cheers...Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

You don't forget a person like Julia Holliday-Scott. Julia is Director of Support Services at Prairie Harm Reduction (formerly AIDS Saskatoon). She is caring, passionate, and is able to articulate her thoughts in a way that makes you think, "yeah, I can get behind that!"Julia first appeared on the podcast in December of 2019. That was when the safe consumption site was nearing completion. The issue of funding the site, however, was still up in the air. It remains so today. However, Julia and her Prairie Harm Reduction colleagues were not going to let a little thing like money get in the way of opening the only safe consumption site between Lethbridge and Thunder Bay. They rallied their community to raise enough money to open the site on October 1st...which is today!I wanted to speak with Julia at the end of day one to see not only how the day went but how she felt about the doors finally opening. We sat down in her office and she went through not only how the first day went but also what this site means to her. I hope you enjoy our conversation and my thanks to Julia for staying late to speak with me. Don't forget to subscribe to YXE Underground on Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast app. Stream episodes on Spotify or at www.yxeunderground.com.If you like what you hear, please give a review! Thank you for listening and don't forget that a brand new episode of YXE Underground drops on October 8th. Cheers...Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

There are so many moments from this episode that stand out to me, but one of my favourite is when Tara Janzen and Honey Constant walked up to the massive wire fence to see the bison. They both instinctively reached for the fence and wrapped their fingers around the wires in order to get as close to as possible to the bison. Or as Honey calls them, 'my cousins.'This episode features two young women who are making a difference in their community through their work at Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Tara is the Director of Development and works with numerous stakeholders and groups sharing the story of Wanuskewin. She is also one of the key players in Wanuskewin's efforts to achieve UNESCO status. Tara is a wonderful storyteller who is committed to ensuring her community understands the importance of Wanuskewin and indigenous history.Honey is a Senior Interpreter Guide at Wanuskewin with enough personality and warmth to fill the entire park! She has designed a unique program for students that teaches them the cultural and spiritual significance of the bison, and now that the park is once again open to the public, she can't wait to deliver it. The bison hold such meaning for Honey and she explains why in such an eloquent way in the episode. I really believe that Wanuskewin is doing a wonderful job of educating our community when it comes to Truth and Reconciliation and indigenous culture and history, and the roles Tara and Honey are playing in conveying that knowledge to the public is vital. I think that comes across in this episode. A big thank you to Andrew McDonald at Wanuskewin for making Rona Andreas, my photographer, and I feel so welcomed at the park. Andrew allowed us access a few weeks before the park opened and made sure we were able to see the bison during our time. This episode was pure joy to put together. From recording my voice at Wanuskewin when it opened to the public on September 5th to the bison soundscape you'll hear halfway through the episode, it was a lot of fun to immerse myself in the park and hopefully tell Tara and Honey's story in an honest way. Thank you so much for listening and supporting this episode of YXE Underground. It's great kicking off Season Three of the podcast with such a dynamic episode and I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to leave a review if you really dig it and don't forget to tell your friends! Cheers...EricThis episode is sponsored by the great team at Citizen Cafe and Bakery in Saskatoon. Their Douglas Sandwich might just be my favourite sandwich on Earth!YXE Underground is a production of the Salthammer Production Company. Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

When Anita Smith pitches you an idea, it's pretty hard to say no!Anita is the Executive Director of Saskatoon's 25th Street Theatre Company. It is a company rich in history and best known for producing the Saskatoon Fringe Festival every year. This year, due to Covid-19, 25th Street was forced to switch gears and do something different than the Fringe Festival.Enter the This Is Not That Festival. It's an all encompassing, multi-disciplinary festival running from July 30th to August 8th featuring live theatre, online plays and even...wait for it...a podcast. Anita, who I am very lucky to call my friend, asked if I would be interested in producing a podcast episode looking at the history of 25th Street Theatre and where it plans to go. As I said earlier, it's hard saying no to Anita because of her passion and energy. I didn't know anything about 25th Street beyond the fact that it produces the Fringe every summer. What I discovered in making this episode is how important this theatre company has been to not only our city but our province's theatre scene.In this episode, you'll hear some great stories from award-winning author, Dwayne Brenna, about the early days of 25th Street Theatre. You will meet Maria Campbell, an award-winning Metis playwright who shares some strong opinions on the role theatre should be playing in Saskatoon. You'll visit Cynthia Dyck's home in Saskatoon and discover how watching a 25th Street production in high school set her down the theatre path. And finally, you'll hear from Anita Smith about why she wanted people in our community to learn about 25th Street's compelling and eclectic history. This episode would not have been possible without the hard work of 25th Street summer student, Megan McDonald. Megan booked all of the great guests for this episode and answered so many of my emails throughout the past six weeks. Thank you, Megan!I hope you enjoy this episode. I had never really partnered with an organization in this way to tell a story like this before, but I sure had fun doing it and learned so much about the important role 25th Street has played in bringing compelling and challenging stories to Saskatoon and Saskatchewan stages. I also hope you enjoy the This Is Not That Festival. It would have been so easy for Anita and her team to just throw in the towel due to Covid-19, but instead they have gone above and beyond to bring an innovative theatre experience to our community. I think that's something worth celebrating!Thank you for listening and supporting this independent podcast. Season Three launches in September and it's going to be the best season yet!! Stay safe, keep washing your hands, and talk soon. Cheers...Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Candace Gabriel really is the perfect person to run Saskatoon's Summer Snack Program. For the past 33 years, this program has provided children and their families with free and nutritious meals in parks across the city during the summer months. Candace has been the program's coordinator for the last nine years and has seen the positive impact something as simple as a sandwich can have.When Candace and her family first moved to Saskatoon, their financial situation was challenging. Her daughters made the most of the the Summer Snack Program in their neighbourhood park, but Candace had to overcome feelings of embarrassment before she felt comfortable asking for help. That experience has given her a profound sense of empathy which helps her in so many ways. My friend Hailey Burnett texted me last December after seeing Candace speak at a United Way of Saskatoon event and said "you need to have this woman on your podcast!" She was right. Candace opens up in this episode about her experiences struggling to put enough food on the table for her family and how those times have made her a better leader for the Summer Snack Program. She also talks about the meaningful connections made with the kids who show up every day to the park for a meal and how Covid-19 will impact this summer's programming. I have lived a very sheltered and privileged life. I can't remember a time as a kid when I was worried about where my next meal would come from. Spending a morning with Candace and hearing her story has opened my eyes to the local food security challenges many families face in our community. I feel very lucky to have spoken with Candace. Her kindness and incredible empathy make her a community leader. I think these two qualities really come through in this episode.This is the final episode of Season Two. I want to thank all of you for listening, subscribing and supporting this local, independent podcast! It really does mean the world to me and I feel honoured to have spoken with so many incredible people this season. I'll be taking July and August off to gather interviews and prepare for Season Three which launches on September 10th. Don't forget to subscribe to YXE Underground on Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast app. Stream episodes on Spotify or the website.If you know someone who is doing great things in our community but is flying under the radar, please let me know! Send me an email: [email protected] you again for all of your support! Have a safe and wonderful summer and we'll talk with you soon. Cheers...Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

The first few days of the Covid-19 pandemic are a blur for Chris Randall. Chris is a housing advocate who has been working for years with Saskatoon's most vulnerable people. When the pandemic arrived in our city, he was working on a project that tracks the number of homeless people in Saskatoon. That quickly changed when it became clear how vulnerable the homeless population would be to this virus.Chris immediately reached out to his friends and colleagues in organizations like AIDS Saskatoon and Quint Saskatoon to see how they could work together to help people. With shelters restricting their numbers and local non-profits closing their doors to help curb the spread of the virus, it became clear there was a gap in services for homeless people. He quickly found support in community organizations and the result was the opening of two hubs (White Buffalo Youth Lodge and The Salvation Army off of 8th Street) that would serve as a one-stop shop for people who needed help during the pandemic.You'll hear the story of how these hubs went from idea to reality in a very short period of time. Chris tells the story well and is very humble in his role in creating these hubs, but after listening to this episode, I think you'll agree that his passion and drive were crucial in making these hubs open. Chris has been doing this type of work for years. He genuinely cares for people who, for whatever reason, are searching for a safe and affordable place to call home. He is persistent in helping people and is not afraid to stand up for what he views is right to those in our provincial government who have control over affordable housing in our communities. Speaking with Chris was a breath of fresh air for me. The past few weeks have felt like a grind as we settle into this new Covid-19 normal. I miss my life of four months ago, which I know is a very privileged thing to say because, as Chris reminded me in our conversation, there are a lot of people in Saskatoon who are far worse off than I am. What they need is our empathy, our compassion, and our energy to help them during this time. Chris is offering all of those qualities and I truly admire him for it.I hope you enjoy this episode and learn as much as I did! If you want to learn even more about the work Chris and many of his friends are doing in Saskatoon to help homeless people, visit the Saskatoon Interagency Response website. It is inspiring to see so many people come together and help those in need.Subscribe to YXE Underground for free on Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast app. Stream episodes on Spotify or the YXE Underground website. Thank you for listening and supporting a local, independent podcast. Please give the podcast a review and share this episode with all your friends! Keep washing your hands and stay safe, Saskatoon.Cheers...Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

What does Saskatoon sound like during a global pandemic?For the first weeks of our city shut down due to Covid-19, I couldn't get over how quiet the city was. There were fewer cars on the road during my morning commute to work. The trails along the riverbank were sparse and neighbourhoods like Broadway and Riversdale were empty of people. Everything slowed down and it felt like a hush went over the city.I wanted to capture that feeling on the podcast for a few reasons. The first was I thought it would be interesting to look back on this time a year or two from now and remember just how different life was. How a bustling avenue like Broadway could become so calm due to a virus. I really like what the Western Development Museum is doing by collecting photos of life in the pandemic and I thought it would be neat to try something similar with sound.The second reason was that I am really loving an American podcast created by author Jon Mooallem called The Walking Podcast. The podcast consists of Jon going out on different hikes in Oregon and recording them. That's it. There's barely any talking and no gimmicks or sound effects. Just the hypnotic rhythm of a person going for a walk. I find the podcast calming and it allows my mind to let go over the daily challenges we're all dealing with and just...drift away. I wanted to try something like what Jon does on his lovely podcast. A journalism professor once told me that radio is the most visual of all the mediums. Her reasoning was that a great piece of audio will make you close your eyes and picture what's happening in your mind. When I listened to Janelle and I walking, I closed my eyes and could see the young guys playing basketball behind Ecole Victoria School. I could see how crowded the Meewasin trail was underneath the Broadway Bridge. I could see how empty the Yard and Flagon pub was. To be honest, I thought our walk was going to be quieter. It was a gorgeous Wednesday night and just a few days before Saskatchewan begins to open up again, so maybe that's why there were so many people in certain spots of our walk. But you will hear how quiet our city has become due to pandemic. How that makes you feel is entirely up to you. One more thing...Janelle's photos are stunning! You can see them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. As you'll discover at the end of this episode, Janelle is moving in a few weeks and I am truly going to miss working with her. YXE Underground is a local, independent podcast. You can subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast app. You can also stream episodes on the website or on Spotify. Thank you for listening to this little sound experiment. Please let me know what you think by leaving a review or shoot me an email. [email protected] safe and keep washing your hands!Cheers...Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

This is probably the most personal episode of YXE Underground I have done. For the past three years, I have worked at Sherbrooke Community Centre, a long-term care home in Saskatoon's east side, as its Communications Leader. It is an incredible place to come every day because of the people who live in the home and the dedicated staff who care for its residents.There is a rhythm to life at Sherbrooke. Our 263 residents interact with one-another and staff in so many different ways and in so many different venues. It could be while working on a painting in the Arts Studio or doing physical therapy in the pool. It might be tending to a herb garden in the greenhouse or taking a trip around the world through the magic of the International Coffee Club. A full and abundant life is what we try and do for each and every resident.On March 15th, COVID-19 threw Sherbrooke off rhythm. We saw what was happening in other parts of the country, and when the virus made its landing in Saskatchewan, we took steps to keep our residents safe. We closed our doors to families and visitors, we restricted residents to their respective neighbourhoods and houses, and we closed the spaces where residents and staff congregated.I'm typing this on April 8th and so far, we have had no cases of COVID-19 at Sherbrooke. We are working hard to keep it that way, but we know there is a chance the virus could make its way into our community. When I watch the news (I am watching too much news right now), I am devastated to see what's happening in other care homes in places like Ontario and Quebec. Staff across the country are doing the best they can to keep their residents safe, and I think you'll hear that dedication from Sherbrooke staff in the episode. The changes we have made at Sherbrooke were difficult but necessary. That doesn't mean everyone is thrilled about it. It's a challenging time for residents and staff. You will hear that throughout the episode, but you'll also hear a resolve to keep the community safe and that inspires me. Wherever you are listening to this episode, I hope that you are safe. It's a surreal time and I know at times in the last month, I have felt overwhelmed with everything that is happening. Maybe you'll draw a little bit of strength and inspiration from this episode. Maybe you'll just laugh at how Dave, one of the residents at Sherbrooke, somehow works in the story of why my nickname at Sherbrooke is JIGGLYPUFF. It's a pretty funny story!Thank you for listening and supporting the podcast. Don't forget to leave a review of the podcast and to subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast app. You can also stream episodes on the website or Spotify. Stay safe. Keep your physical distance from one-another. Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands! Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

The best part of the Juno Awards when Saskatoon first hosted in 2007 was, in my opinion, Junofest. The two-day music festival had artists and bands playing all over the city, and it felt like a competition to see how many great bands you could see in one night. There's a picture of my cousin, Troy Weppler, and I standing in the cold out in front of Amigos taken by sister after we had just seen Rob Baker of The Tragically Hip, who was watching a band called Jets Overhead, and we look so darn happy!I wanted to do a podcast episode on Junofest, the work it takes to pull off this festival, and what it means to local venues to host Junofest shows because I love live music. I believe live music is one of the few things in life that can bring people together and that we should celebrate it every chance we get. That's why Janelle and I braved the frigid temperatures on a Saturday morning in February to meet up with Aryn Otterbein of The Broadway Theatre. She opened up the theatre special for us and explained why it was important for the Broadway to be involved in something like Junofest. We also met her amazing dog, Dolly. You can see pictures of Dolly on the YXE Underground Instagram page! You must see these photos!!Then we drove down to 9 Mile Legacy Brewery where CEO and co-founder, Shawn Moen, poured us pints of delicious beer and talked about why music means so much to him and his family. He also makes a really strong argument as to how music and beer are two things that bind Canadians. It's a pretty compelling argument!The last stop was The Underground Cafe, which is tucked away on 20th Street. To be honest with you, I didn't realize it was a music venue until Junofest officials listed it on their website. My wife and I go the Underground Cafe on weekends to eat their waffles, but now I want to see shows there! It's a long, narrow and cozy space that owner Dallyn Guenther notes is perfect for acoustic shows. Dallyn gives some really heartfelt answers about why it means so much that the Junofest folks selected his cafe as a venue. You'll enjoy his interview.We also hear from Dan Clapson from the Eat North food blog because he's bringing his Bluejay Sessions to the Somewhere Else Pub and Grill. As you can see, we put a lot of work into this episode, but it really was a labour of love. There's nothing better than live music and Saskatoon is about to experience a very healthy dose of it in the next few days! A big thanks to Janelle for working so hard and capturing some stunning photos and to my cousin Troy for being such a kickass co-host and saving a table for us at Amigos. Who knew the restaurant was also hosting a Girls Rock Camp Saskatoon dance party?? We certainly didn't!If you like what you've heard, please give the podcast a 5 star rating, subscribe for free and tell your friends.Enjoy all the Juno festivities and thanks to all the local venues to being so easy to work with!Cheers...Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

In 2007, when Saskatoon last hosted the Juno Awards, I was using an LG flip phone to stay in touch with friends during the festivities. Things have changed a bit in 13 years.When I heard the Junos were returning to Saskatoon, I was excited! I have been lucky to attend two Juno Award weeks and had an absolute blast both times.I wanted to learn how our city was able to convince the Juno folks to return to Saskatoon. I reached out to my friend at Tourism Saskatoon, Darby Sutherland, and she was kind enough to introduce me to Todd Brandt and Sarah Berger. Todd is the President and CEO of Tourism Saskatoon while Sarah is the Director of Media. They are part of the Tourism Saskatoon team that has worked for years with Juno officials in Toronto and the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences to show that Saskatoon was ready and able to host Canada's biggest music night once again.Janelle and I met with Todd and Sarah at Tourism Saskatoon's offices on 4th Avenue and had a great conversation in Todd's office. We cover everything from how Saskatoon's culinary scene played a vital role in their pitch to how Todd was able to bring more planes to our city to ensure artists were able to get home on time. Todd's a pretty powerful guy! I love the fact that the Juno Awards moves across the country every year, and I know that Saskatoon is going to put on a wonderful show! I also know you're going have a new appreciation for the work it takes to bring something like the Junos to our city after listening to this episode. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast app. You can also stream episodes on the website or Spotify. YXE Underground is also a proud member of the Saskatchewan Podcast Network. Thank you for your continued support of this local, independent podcast. I really do appreciate it. Cheers...Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Beth Cote shares a wonderful story at the end of this episode that illustrates the potential of a new downtown library in Saskatoon.Now, I'm not saying you should skip to the end of the book (or podcast in this case) because there's plenty of good stuff in the first 43 minutes, but when you hear Beth's story of a conversation she has with a Halifax baker and the pride he had in his city's new library, you'll understand why her work means so much to her.Beth Cote is the Director of Public Services for the Saskatoon Public Library. She oversees all the Library's frontline programming and ensures it connects with the organization's goals and vision.She has also played an important role in the organization's efforts to secure funding for a new downtown branch that would replace the Frances Morrison Library, which was built in 1966.I've been following the SPL's efforts to build a new downtown branch for months and wanted to know more about the role the Frances Morrison Library plays in our community. I feel very lucky to have met Beth because her passion for libraries and community is really inspiring, and her ability to clearly articulate a vision of what a downtown library should be is impressive. I left our conversation so darned excited for what this new space will be!This episode of YXE Underground is sponsored by the great folks at Congress Beer House in downtown Saskatoon. It's one my favourite places to grab a great meal and enjoy a pint from anywhere in the country! A big thank you to the entire Congress team for supporting the podcast.Subscribe to YXE Underground wherever you find your podcasts and please leave a review! YXE Underground is a proud member of the Saskatchewan Podcast Network. Thank you for listening and supporting a local, independent podcast! And a big thank you to the Saskatoon Public Library for being so wonderful to work with. Go visit your local library!! Cheers...EricCORRECTION: In the first part of our conversation, Beth says that research shows kids need to have 10,000 books read to them to build the skills to be ready to learn to read. She messaged me a few days later that the number is actually 1,000. That's about one book a day for the first three years of life. Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Thursday night was special and meaningful for many people here in Saskatoon. The Surviv(her) cancer support group, founded by Amy Morris, hosted an event called 'Portraits of Surviv(her)s.' It paired local photographers with Saskatoon women who are cancer survivors and fighters. It also created a wonderful sense of community.The portraits were displayed throughout the event room at LB Distillery. Beside each professional portrait was a 5x7 photo selected by the subject of the photo along with a write-up describing what that small photo meant to them. The stories served as a window into each person's battle against cancer and put into perspective what it meant for them to be in the room on that night. Alyssa Noonan was one of those cancer fighters who shared their story and had their portrait taken. The local photographer she was matched with was our very own Janelle Wallace! I am so proud to work with Janelle on every episode of YXE Underground and it was wonderful to see her talents and character celebrated. You'll hear Alyssa and Janelle in this bonus episode.You will also hear from Amy Morris and Kim Swetecki, who you may remember from Season One of the podcast where we took an in-depth look at cancer support in Saskatoon. Amy is the founder of Surviv(her) and Kim organizes the events for the support event. Both are cancer survivors and both had their portraits featured at the event. They were kind enough to share their thoughts on the evening in this episode.Two things really hit home for me while attending the event. The first is the power of photographs. You will hear Alyssa and Kim share some really raw and powerful emotions of their cancer journeys sparked entirely by their photos. I know it's cliche to say that a picture says a thousand words, but that thought kept running through my mind while talking with the women featured in the event. The second is how strong the sense of community was in the room. Everyone there had some connection to cancer and where there to support for one-another. Amy and I talked at the end of the night about how necessary it is to have that community in Saskatoon. I have been told many times by cancer survivors and fighters that your life gets put on hold when battling the disease, which I think makes being a part of a community being created by Surviv(her) all the more important. For the women who took part in the event and showed up on a frigid January evening, the sense of understanding and camaraderie in Surviv(her) is real and important. I hope that comes through a bit in this bonus episode.Thanks for listening and don't forget to subscribe and leave a review of YXE Underground. Cheers...Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

There's nothing like a compelling story to prove a point. That is certainly the case in this episode of YXE Underground which focuses on the work being done at the Global Gathering Place in Saskatoon. The stories shared in this episode will make you realize the important work being done at the Global Gathering Place in helping newcomers and refugees settle into their new lives in our city.Afton Tolley and Sol Barrones are the featured guests. I have known Afton for several years. She is the Program Coordinator and has been with the Global Gathering Place for 11 years. Afton has seen her organization adapt and grow as Saskatoon has become more diverse. She is also seeing more local businesses realize the potential when it comes to hiring newcomers. Sol was once a client of the Global Gathering Place. She and her family arrived from Mexico 10 years ago. A lawyer by trade, Sol attended classes at the Global Gathering Place to improve her English. She quickly fell in love with the sense of community present in the organization and eventually started volunteering. Sol is now the Life Skills Coordinator and works closely with government-supported refugees helping them navigate their first few months in Saskatoon. Both Sol and Afton share some very personal and meaningful stories in this episode that show the important role the Global Gathering Place serves in Saskatoon. What I also love about this episode is the voices of newcomers scattered throughout. Their stories are worth celebrating and might just make you want to volunteer at the next Coffee and Conversation! This episode of YXE Underground is sponsored by 13 Pies restaurant in downtown Saskatoon. If you're looking for an incredible slice of pizza and a great cocktail, be sure to pay 13 Pies a visit! A big thank you to Blair and Brad for their support of the podcast. This episode was an absolute blast to assemble. The stories will be stuck in your head for days (in a good way!) and the sounds will give you a sense of what life is like at the Global Gathering Place. Thank you for your continued support of a local, independent podcast! Cheers...Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Begin a conversation with Julia Holliday-Scott and you'll quickly notice a few things: She is always looking to help people who need it the most, which makes her a perfect fit as Support Services Coordinator for AIDS Saskatoon. She is also very articulate and can raise several compelling arguments and opinions in the span of a few seconds. She definitely kept me on my toes during our conversation at the new headquarters for AIDS Saskatoon on 20th Street!I wanted to learn more about the organization and specifically the Safe Consumption Site. Julia's came highly recommended by Jessica Fisher from OUT Saskatoon (who was featured in an earlier episode of YXE Underground) and it's easy to see why. Julia's passion for helping our city's most vulnerable is inspiring. Her work ethic and kindness make her well-suited to help those people who visit the drop-in centre at AIDS Saskatoon seeking advice and guidance. We cover a lot of ground in our conversation. Julia explains why our city needs a Safe Consumption Site and why it's a project she wanted to become involved in. She discusses her experiences as a frontline support worker and the impact it has on the community. Julia also opens up about the importance of self-care and why it's a necessary part of her life. I learned so much from Julia; not only about the importance of the Safe Consumption Site, but about how we are treating people in our community who desperately need supports. Julia doesn't seek any kind of spotlight for her work so I feel very lucky that she agreed to share her story and knowledge on the podcast!Thank you for listening and supporting a local, independent podcast. Subscribe for free to YXE Underground on Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast app. Stream this episode on the website or Spotify. This episode is sponsored by Hometown Diner. If you're looking for a heck of a breakfast or brunch...or donut...go visit Hometown Diner on 20th Street! A big thanks to their crew for supporting the podcast.If you know of anyone who is making a difference in #Saskatoon but is flying under the radar, please send me a note on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or by email: [email protected] a happy and safe holiday season, a Happy New Year, and we'll chat in 2020!Cheers...Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

In June, I received an email from Lauryn Kronick, who is the Education and Prevention Coordinator at AIDS Saskatoon. They asked if I wanted to take part in National HIV Testing Day, which is on June 27th. My first thought was yes, of course. HIV rates in Saskatchewan are incredibly high compared to the rest of the country. Maybe if I tweeted about it and did something for the podcast, people might learn something, was my thinking. But then I started to come up with reasons why I shouldn’t do the test. Many reasons. Reasons that, when I look back on it, I feel kind of embarrassed about. So, I called Lauryn and we talked. Actually, I talked a lot and she patiently listened. Lauryn is a good listener. A few weeks after our conversation, I met Lauryn and a lovely registered nurse named Mel at Saskatoon Sexual Health on 2nd Avenue to receive an HIV test. You are about to hear that test as well as a conversation with Lauryn about some of the fears I had. We also discuss the importance of testing and why this means so much to Lauryn. This bonus episode leads into next week's brand new episode of YXE Underground. It features Julia Holliday-Scott, who is the Support Services Coordinator for AIDS Saskatoon. In the episode, we discuss Saskatchewan's first Safe Consumption Site, the stigma surrounding HIV, and why she wanted to be involved in the creation of the Safe Consumption Site. Subscribe to YXE Underground for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or your favourite podcast app. Stream episodes on Spotify or the website. I learned so much doing this HIV test. I hope you do too.Thanks for supporting a local, independent podcast! Cheers...Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Spend five minutes with Bayani Trinidad and Forrest Eaglespeaker and several things become clear. One, they are passionate about their work. Two, they thrive on seeing people change and grow when it comes to their thoughts on Truth and Reconciliation. Three, they have way too much fun together!Bayani and Forrest work for a non-profit organization called Canadian Roots Exchange. It was formed in 2008 as a way to bring indigenous and non-indigenous youth together to work towards Reconciliation. In 2016, the organization opened an office in Saskatoon, which is where you will find Bayani and Forrest, working hard in their office at Saskatoon's The Two Twenty.The work Bayani and Forrest are doing when it comes to Truth and Reconciliation focuses on Saskatoon's youth. When I say youth, I mean mostly people who are university age. People who have learned about the horrors of Indian Residential School System in school and recognize the importance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and now want to learn more and be involved in making Reconciliation a reality in Canada.In this episode, you will learn what Bayani and Forrest are doing with to help young people achieve these goals. You'll discover how they use education and leadership to empower youth, and you'll find out why they are so passionate about the work they do. What I love about Bayani and Forrest is they themselves are young people who have stepped into leadership roles in our community and are embracing the challenges that come with Truth and Reconciliation. As Forrest states in the podcast, "I think change starts on a personal level. You don't see entire societies and entire communities change all at once. You see it in individuals. In that aspect, I definitely see it happening. It makes me feel good because any change in the right direction should be celebrated and should be looked at as a huge success."You're going to love Bayani and Forrest! They chemistry and passion is inspiring and the work they're doing in Saskatoon is really important. Plus, you'll get to hear an original song by Forrest...aka...The North Sound, at the end of the episode! How cool is that?!?!Subscribe to YXE Underground for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or your favourite podcast app. You can also stream episodes on Spotify, the I Heart Radio app, or the website. This episode of YXE Underground is sponsored by ACE Burger. If you love cheeseburgers and milkshakes as much as I do, you need to visit ACE Burger on the corner of Broadway Avenue and 9th Street cause I am telling you, they make a mean burger and shake! Thank you to ACE Burger for their financial support of this local, independent podcast. Enjoy listening to Bayani and Forrest and thank you for all of your support!Cheers...Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Matt Ingrouille wants to see change in Saskatoon when it comes to drug and addiction issues, and he realizes the best way to bring about this change is at the grassroots level. It's one of the reasons why Matt, a Constable with the Saskatoon Police Service, started the non-profit organization, Say Know. Say Know is a drug education project that is doing incredible work raising drug and addiction awareness in Saskatoon. The Say Know website states its mission is, "to tackle the illicit drug trade through education. For far too long, our society has been fighting gate wrong end of the war. It's time to reduce the demand of drugs, rather than focusing, wasted efforts, on the supply."Matt was kind enough to meet me in Riversdale on a hot July afternoon this past summer and we went talked about the current state of drugs and addictions while walking throughout the neighbourhood. Matt is articulate and passionate with his words. He also one of the most empathetic people I have ever met, and that comes through in the last half of this episode when we focus on why he started Say Know.In no way does Matt hold back in this episode. We look at how crystal meth is destroying so many lives in Saskatoon and why it is the drug of choice for so many people. We discuss some of the innovative ways different organizations could work together to solve our drug and addiction issues, and Matt explains how is own personal challenges have fuelled his passion to bring change through Say Know.I know you will learn a lot about what is happening in our core neighbourhoods here in Saskatoon in this episode. I also hope you will realize just how fortunate we are to have someone like Matt Ingrouille to help get our community out of this crisis. Thank you so much for listening to YXE Underground. Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or your favourite podcast app. You can also stream episodes on Spotify, the I Heart Radio app, or the YXE Underground website. Cheers...Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Do you know where your food comes from? It’s a question Arlie LaRoche is very passionate in answering. Arlie and her family own and operator Farm One Forty, a holistically managed farm about twenty minutes southwest of Saskatoon. As Farm One Forty's website states, “we are a local, sustainable and natural choice for Saskatoon’s ethical eaters.” What stands out about Arlie is how passionate she is in educating people, not only in Saskatoon but across the province, about where their food comes from and how her animals are cared for. Arlie takes YXE Underground host Eric Anderson on a tour of her farm (storm free!) and discusses her love of animals, why she chooses to farm in a holisitc way, and how she copes when it's time to say goodbye to her cows, pigs, chickens and sheep. Arlie also explains what led her and her husband to open Odla, a new restaurant in Saskatoon's Broadway neighbourhood. This episode also features insight on the Farm-to-Table movement currently taking place in Saskatoon and the province by freelance reporter and author, Jenn Sharp. It's really exciting to begin a new season with Arlie's story. You will quickly connect with her caring and selfless nature, as well as her passion and humour. Please subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcast app or stream episodes on the YXE Underground website or Spotify. Please feel free to leave a review of the podcast if you have time. Thank you for supporting a local, independent podcast, and thank you for listening to Arlie's story. Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Janelle and I were really excited to visit Arlie LaRoche at her farm, Farm One Forty, southwest of Saskatoon last Thursday. Arlie is doing some really great things for Saskatoon's food and culinary scenes and she is a fantastic talker. We were also excited because the skies were really dynamic last Thursday, which would make for some great photographs (if you follow us on social media, you'll see some amazing pictures). There was a tornado watch in the area but the scariest looking clouds were to the northwest and we were heading southwest, so we thougth we were fine. We were wrong. In this episode, you'll hear how a massive storm grinds our interview with Arlie to a quick hault and how quickly a calm situation can drastically change. When I was listening to the tape of our Farm One Forty adventures last week, I knew I wanted to share it with you right away. So that's where the idea for this bonus episode came from. You'll also hear an update on Season Two of YXE Underground, which launches in September, and an exciting new initiative called the Saskatchewan Podcast Network (of which this podcast is proud to be a part of.) Thank you for your continued support of this local, independent podcast and I hope all of you are having a wonderful summer. Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also stream episodes on the website and Spotify. And please tell your friends about YXE Underground...word of mouth really makes a difference! Have a great rest of your summer and talk to you in September. Cheers...Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Constable Derek Chesney has a way of communicating that makes him perfect for his job with the Saskatoon Police Service. It’s direct, respectful, and full of empathy. He credits his style from growing up on a ranch in southeast Saskatchewan surrounded by cowboys. “I got to listen to a lot of old guys BS back in the day, and they tell stories of humanity and people,” explains Chesney. The veteran police officer is a member of the Saskatoon Police Service’s Cultural Relations Unit. It’s job is to help forge relationships and build connections between the police force and different communities within the city. The unit started in the early 2000’s as an attempt to repair the disconnect between the indigenous population and the SPS. While that remains an important focus, Chesney says the scope of his work has changed thanks to Saskatoon’s growing diversity. This is the final episode of Season One. Thank you so much for listening, subscribing and supporting this local podcast. YXE Underground will return for Season Two with new episodes this September. If you know of someone who is doing something great in our community but is flying under the radar, please let Eric know. Email him at [email protected] or fill out a nomination form on the website. Thank you again for all of your support and have a wonderful summer! Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Michael McLachlan vividly remembers the moment he made the conscious decision to disconnect his mind and his body during his battle against cancer. It was two in the morning. He was on all fours on his hospital bed overlooking the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon. An aggressive form of cancer had invaded McLachlan’s central nervous system and formed a tumor at the base of his spine. “I had a conversation with myself, which was rather simple,” explained McLachlan. “My mind couldn’t take what was happening. So I made the separation between my body and my mind because I knew my body would be strong enough to take whatever it had to take, but upstairs I couldn’t do it. So I made a disconnect and then I couldn’t reconnect afterwards.” McLachlan was diagnosed on September 16th, 2016, with Non-Hodgkin’s Burkitt Lymphoma, an extremely aggressive form of cancer. The next day, he had surgery to remove the tumor on his spine. His battle left him cancer free but traumatized. Physically, McLachlan was fatigued and wouldn’t let anyone touch his back. Mentally, he was shattered and struggled to find peace with what had just happened. Luckily for McLachlan, Colleen McBride was there to help put the pieces back together. McBride is a Registered Social Worker who first met McLachlan while working at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre. She specialized in trauma therapy and was asked to help McLachlan with his physical and mental recovery. McLachlan calls what McBride did with him, “magic.” This episode is co-hosted by cancer survivor, activist and author, Amy Smith-Morris. Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast app. You can also stream episodes on Spotify or the website. Don't forget to leave a review! Thank you to Colleen, Michael and Amy for sharing their stories with listeners. Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Say the word CANCER and each of you will have something different come to mind. It might involve a loved one who had cancer or perhaps is going through treatments right now. When it comes to cancer care, there are gaps in the system, but there are also people in Saskatoon working hard to fill in those gaps. Part One of Episode 12 introduces you to three of these individuals. Kim Swetecki is a cancer survivor and co-hosts a support group called Chai and Chat. Jennifer Fisher is a registered dietitian at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre and Nora Yeates is the CEO of the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan.. They share their stories and insights with Eric and special co-host, Amy Smith Morris. Amy is a cancer survivor, advocate and author who shares her unique insights throughout the episode. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or your favourite podcast app. You can also stream episodes on Spotify or the website. Thank you for listening and don't forget to leave a review! Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

When Carrie Hart got the call that her son Lucas was accepted into the Little Tots program, she didn’t know what to do. “I remember that day. I was with my friend at The Forestry Farm. I was in the car and I think I started crying and then I probably did laps in my car because I was so excited. It was an instant sense of relief.” Relief because her son was about to get the help he needed to overcome some pretty big challenges. Lucas was diagnosed with autism shortly after turning two. Hart knew he needed a type of therapy that would allow him to catch up on the speech and social skills he was struggling to develop. She wanted her son in the Little Tots program because of its sterling reputation. Little Tots is an early intensive intervention program for children between 18 and 48 months. It is run by Autism Services of Saskatoon and provides one-on-one therapy for autistic children. It is also the only program of its kind in Saskatchewan. This episode explores the Little Tots program through Lucas. Eric interviews Carrie and Desirae Boutin. She is the interim director of Little Tots. It takes a lot of people pulling in the same direction to help an autistic child. Carrie and Desirae are wonderful examples of this. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did creating it. Thank you for listening and subscribing to the podcast. Cheers...Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

A veterinarian feeling overworked due to a difficult caseload. A student feeling overwhelmed with exams. A family feeling crushed because of the loss of their pet. All are scenarios Erin Wasson confronts at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Wasson is a social worker at the WCVM. She provides counselling services to students, faculty and staff, as well as clients who are using the College’s small and animal clinics. It’s an uncommon position within the veterinary and animal science world, but an important one as studies are now showing the mental health challenges veterinarians and animal protection workers face. “I think a lot of veterinarians and animal protection officers will tell you that they don’t have a lot of people that they can talk about their day with that wants to hear about their day,” Wasson explains in the episode. Wasson discusses the mental health challenges veterinarians encounter in their jobs, how she is able to balance personal and professional life, and why she finds her work so fulfilling. You will also hear from Saskatoon veterinarian, Dr. Sarah Bater. She shares some of the challenges that come with the job and why Erin's role at the Vet College is so important. Thank you for listening and subscribing to the podcast and don't forget to leave a review! Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

“My name is Jessica Fisher and I am a cisgender, queer woman who is both Metis and a settler.” That is how Jessica Fisher introduces herself to elementary and high school students in Saskatoon and around the province. Fisher works with OUTSaskatoon, bringing gender and sexual diversity education to students, teachers and administrators. She does this by explaining the building blocks of identity, what terms like bisexual and transsexual mean, and highlighting the negative impacts of homophobia. “The purpose of my presentation is to help folks understand that their language and their actions have consequences. That can be positive, where people feel comfortable to say and be who they are, or they can be negative consequences -- that is, when people are afraid to exist in the world as they are.” I feel very lucky to have met Jessica. She taught me a lot during our conversation and I know you will connect with her engaging and caring nature. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, give it a rating, and feel free to share with all your friends! Cheers... Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Saskatoon's EcoQuest Program is a grade eight class that uses nature in place of a traditional classroom. This unique outdoor education program is full of incredible students who are learning to see the world around them in new ways. In Part Two of Episode Eight, Eric spends a very cold December day exploring Saskatoon with the 28 students that make up the EcoQuest class. The students walk more than 15 kilometres, from The Lighthouse Shelter and Saskatoon Farmer's Market, to the Meewasin Valley river trails, learning what services make up a healthy community. They also share what skills they have learned in the program and how it's allowing them to grow into future leaders in our community. These students are hard working, insightful and a lot of fun to be around. They also have two fantastic teachers that put them in situations to succeed and learn on their own. Subscribe and download this episode and take an entertaining trek through Saskatoon with this year's EcoQuest class. Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

When you think of a typical grade 8 classroom, you probably envision a space filled with rows of desks and a blackboard at the front of the room. Saskatoon's EcoQuest class is definitely not your typical classroom. EcoQuest brings 28 grade 8 students together from across the city and allows them to learn in the natural world. It's an outdoor experiential program that not only encourages students to embrace the natural world, but gives them the opportunity to grow as individuals and especially as leaders. In part one of Episode Eight, Eric speaks with Tyler Rittinger, who has been teaching the EcoQuest program for the past eight years. He also meets some of the students who are embracing this unique opportunity. Part two will follow the students as they weave their way through Saskatoon working on an assignment. It will drop on January 17th. Thank you for listening and remember to subscribe to YXE Underground on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Scott Dicks is a very busy man. The Saskatoon chef has worked in some of the finest restaurants in Western Canada and learned from award winning chefs. Now, Chef Scotty is giving back to Saskatoon's food scene by consulting with local businesses like Collective Coffee and 9 Mile Brewery, teaching cooking classes at The Local Kitchen, and even cooking for people in their homes. Scotty believes that food and cooking should bring people together and he's spreading his joy and passion throughout Saskatoon one meal at a time. In Episode Seven of YXE Underground, Scott sits down with Eric to explain how he ended up in Saskatoon, why he loves the growing food scene in our city and how he's become a better chef thanks to cooking for people in their homes. Scott also explains why now is the perfect time for him to get back into Saskatoon's restaurant scene. Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

I take a lot of pride in being the most enthusiastic person in a room. But when I meet Erin McCormick for the first time in her riding arena, I quickly realize that I don’t hold a candle next to her. Erin owns Therapeutic Equilibrium Riding. Every week, she teaches 110 children and adults with varying degrees of physical and cognitive challenges therapeutic horseback riding. In this episode, Erin explains the incredible benefits of horseback riding therapy and where her passion comes from. She also talks about the sacrifices she has made as a woman entrepreneur and what she loves most about horses. After hearing our conversation, you'll probably be left with one question... "Why aren't we all riding horses?" Thanks for listening... Eric Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Kenton Lysak is a Senior Interpreter for Saskatoon's Meewasin Valley Authority and a lover of all things nature. All Kenton wants to do is teach you about the Meewasin Valley's natural beauty, and he will do it in a way that will inspire to go out and explore! He is also a brand new father. In this episode of YXE Underground, Kenton takes host Eric Anderson to Peggy McKercher Conservation Area and describes how Saskatoon is walking a tightrope between urban growth and protecting sensitive ecosystems. Kenton also explains where his love of the natural world came from and how his new son Benjamin has changed his career for the better. Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Episode Four of YXE Underground focuses on a pair Saskatoon women who are helping put the city on the map. Aviva Kohen is Tourism Saskatoon's Director of Media and has been working incredibly hard to get Saskatoon national and international attention. DonnaLyn Thorsteinson helps Saskatoon entrepreneurs achieve their goals through her work with SREDA and the Square One program. Eric sits down with Aviva and DonnaLyn to find out why they are so passionate about their careers and how they balance work and family life. You can subscribe to YXE Underground on Apple Podcasts, Google Play or Stitcher. You can also stream and download episodes on the website. Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Communication is something most people take for granted. Kara Broks helps people in Saskatoon who struggle to express themselves, especially when it comes to verbal communication. She is a speech pathologist and owner of the The Speech Language Network. In this episode of YXE Underground, Eric visits Kara at The Speech Language Network to learn more about the work she does with people of all ages in Saskatoon and why it's so important. Kara shares some incredibly heartfelt stories of challenging cases and why she continues to cheer for her clients long after they say goodbye. Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Sarah Friesen is a registered psychologist with Saskatoon's Alvin Buckwold Child Development Program. Jacqueline Lavallee is a teacher at Saskatoon's Oskayak High School and an Assistant Coach with the University of Saskatchewan's Women's Basketball team. Their jobs are different but their goals are the same. To help children and their families become valuable members of their communities! Host Eric Anderson sits down with Sarah at her office to learn more about the work she does with children and why it's so crucial for so many Saskatoon families. Jacqueline and Eric meet over coffee and discuss why Oskayak High School is such a meaningful place for Jacqueline to teach. Both of these women are making a meaningful impact in the community and deserve to have to their stories shared. Thank you for listening and enjoy! Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis  

Mike Fisher is one of the nicest and most sincere guys you will ever meet. He is the co-creator of The Saskatchewan Entertainment Expo, which is a Comic-Con style event that brings people from all over Saskatchewan to Saskatoon every year in September. This interview covers a lot of ground. Mike opens up about how creating The Expo got him through some challenging personal times and why Saskatoon's comic book community means so much about him. He also shares some amazing stories of previous Expo guests, including legendary Star Wars actor, Carrie Fisher. You will laugh during this interview, you might cry a bit in this interview, and you will for sure learn lots in this interview. Enjoy! Host, Producer, Editor: Eric AndersonTheme Music: Andrew DicksonWebsite: https://www.yxeunderground.comRecorded: On Treaty 6 Territory and the traditional homeland of the Metis