Shows
Unsilencing StoriesDaniel Snyder: Graphic Elicitation InterviewThis episode is a graphic elicitation, which is a research method in which art produced by researchers or participants, are used to invite participants to reflect on their lived experiences, beliefs, or behaviours. You’ll hear Caitlin Burritt and Chloe Burritt interview Daniel Snyder about three pieces of artwork Chloe created based on Daniel’s interviews. Daniel describes how each piece of art reminds him of a season of his life, and reflects on the important roles the concepts of hope and duality have played in his life. This interview was recorded on June 28th, 2023.To see...
2025-10-0139 minUnsilencing StoriesRyan Nielsen: Graphic Elicitation InterviewThis episode is a graphic elicitation, which is a research method in which art produced by researchers or participants, are used to invite participants to reflect on their lived experiences, beliefs, or behaviours. You’ll hear Giorgia Ricciardi interview Ryan Nielsen about two pieces of art produced by the researcher, Thomas Chanyungco, and one piece of art created by Ryan, to represent concepts inspired by Ryan ’s story. Ryan describes what the art represents to him and how the images reflect specific experiences in his life.This interview was recorded on July 20th, 2023.To see the...
2025-10-0153 minUnsilencing StoriesTaija McLuckie: Graphic Elicitation InterviewThis episode is a graphic elicitation, which is a research method in which art produced by researchers or participants, is used to invite participants to reflect on their lived experiences, beliefs, or behaviours. Caitlin Burritt talks to Taija McLuckie about two pieces of art Caitlin created based on Taija’s interviews. Taija discusses how the art makes her feel, and what seeing the art makes her recall about those moments in her life. This episode was recorded on June 22, 2023.To see the art discussed in this graphic elicitation, please watch the interview on YouTube: https://you...
2025-10-0152 minUnsilencing StoriesDaniel Snyder: Interview 9: Death, Trauma & Final ThoughtsIn this episode, you’ll hear Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung interview Daniel Snyder for the last time. Daniel talks about a recent overdose death in the community, and the trauma peers face due to high turnover from death and burn out. He discusses which stressors have changed and which have stayed the same over the course of the interview process.This interview was recorded on December 14, 2022.
2025-05-2652 minUnsilencing StoriesDaniel Snyder: Interview 8: Exposure To Death & TraumaIn this episode, you’ll hear Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung interview Daniel Snyder about exposure to death and trauma and how he copes with it. Daniel describes outlets he uses to deal with stress, the importance of taking breaks to avoid burnout, and steps he is taking to maintain boundaries between his peer work and his personal life.This episode was recorded on December 6, 2022.
2025-05-1951 minUnsilencing StoriesDaniel Snyder: Interview 7: Financial Realities & Career AspirationsIn this episode, you’ll hear Daniel Snyder speak to Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung about the financial realities of peer work and his future career aspirations. Daniel describes the lack of permanent, full-time positions for peers, and how pursuing a career involving only peer work could impact him financially. Daniel also discusses the importance of counter-narratives about substance use, as not all drug experiences are negative.This episode was recorded on November 29, 2022.
2025-05-1248 minUnsilencing StoriesDaniel Snyder: Interview 6: Financial CompensationIn this episode, you’ll hear Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung interview Daniel Snyder about financial security and the lack of standard payment practices across agencies for peer workers. Daniel discusses how many peers do gig work rather than engaging in salaried employment, and the importance of making peers feel valued by compensating them fairly. This episode was recorded on November 29, 2022.
2025-05-0549 minUnsilencing StoriesDaniel Snyder: Interview 5: Harm Reduction & Human ConnectionIn this episode, you'll hear Daniel Snyder talk to Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung about differing viewpoints in approaching harm reduction work, the limits of policy solutions, and the importance of human connection for people who use drugs. This episode was recorded on November 22, 2022.
2025-04-281h 00
HERE COMES THE BACKKLASHEp. 77: THE POST-UNSILENCING POST feat. Nick Petosky (@Pizzapicklespur)Disclaimer: Disco (probably) did NOT cause AIDS…but that would never stop pop art prankster and time traveling disco shock jock DJ POOLHOUSE from asking the important questions. And boy, does he have a lot of them. Ever since teaming up with space cat, medical anthropologist, and HIV lab-origin expert Nick Petosky for the groundbreaking Backklash mini-series THE UNSILENCING, Poolhouse has been bombarded with questions from internet friends on all things “alternative health” and “dark virology.”It’s been way too long since Poolie’s had a chance to use his curiosity to pester Nick —...
2025-04-251h 40Unsilencing StoriesDaniel Snyder: Interview 4: Referring to ResourcesIn this episode, you'll hear Daniel Snyder talk to Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung about referring individuals to resources in his community. Daniel suggests that recovery option should be person-centred and tailored to the individual needs of the person seeking treatment. Daniel explains the importance of keeping those struggling with substance use disorder around their support systems and the importance of including them in community. This episode was recorded on November 15, 2022.
2025-04-211h 04Unsilencing StoriesDaniel Snyder: Interview 3: Community Outreach, Exposure to Death & TraumaIn this episode, you'll hear Daniel Snyder talk to Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung about different responses he encounters while doing community outreach, the presence of cynicism in peer spaces in response to the death and trauma peers face in their work and the importance of client centred treatment for those experiencing substance use disorder. This episode was recorded on November 15, 2022.
2025-04-1451 minUnsilencing StoriesDaniel Snyder: Interview 2: StigmaIn this episode, you'll hear Daniel Snyder talk to Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung about the stigma that surrounds substance use and people who use drugs. He describes the internal stigma he faced as his substance use escalated and the lengths he went to hide his substance use. Daniel also explains that many people in the trades are affected by the overdose crisis and discusses his experience maintaining a trades job throughout his substance use. This episode was recorded on November 8, 2022.
2025-04-071h 03Unsilencing StoriesDaniel Snyder: Interview 1: IntroductionIn this episode, you'll hear Lucas Akai and Esther Chueng interview Daniel Snyder, a peer harm reduction worker in Langley, BC, for the first time. Daniel introduces himself, describes his lived experience with substance use, his journey to becoming a peer and emphasizes the importance of people who use drugs sharing their stories.This episode was recorded on November 1, 2022.
2025-03-3157 min
New Books in Eastern European StudiesLilia Topouzova, "Unsilencing: The History and Legacy of the Bulgarian Gulag" (Cornell UP, 2025)Not many people know that Bulgaria's forced prison camp was in operation throughout the communist regime from 1945 to 1989. In Unsilencing: The History and Legacy of the Bulgarian Gulag (Cornell UP, 2025), University of Toronto history professor Lilia Topouzova traces the silences and testimonials of former victims, and explains why their fate no longer makes the front pages of newspapers in that country. Based on hundreds of conversations and encounters with former victims, prison guards, politicians, academics and even by-standards Topouzova shows that not all repression and suffering can be put into words. Listen to this illuminating interview to find out mor...
2025-03-311h 06Unsilencing StoriesLily: Episode 7: Exposure to Death and Trauma ContinuedIn this episode, you'll hear Lily speak about a recent death in her personal life due to the opioid overdose epidemic with Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung. Lily discusses the shock of her loss as well as the daily impact of grief on her relationships, family, and career. This episode was recorded on December 12, 2022.
2025-03-1727 minUnsilencing StoriesLily: Episode 6: Exposure to Death & TraumaIn this episode, you'll hear Louisa Akai and Esther Cheung interview Lily about her experiences with death and trauma as a peer worker. Lily also discusses the amount of trauma and death she witnessed working in supportive housing, she reflects on the normalisation of loss and death amongst peer workers and discusses her coping strategies that allow her to continue her peer work.This interview was recorded on December 6, 2022.
2025-03-1037 minUnsilencing StoriesLily: Episode 5: Financial InsecurityIn this episode, you'll hear Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung interview Lily about her personal financial stressors as a peer worker. Lily explains that the compensation for peer work remains undervalued and she often struggles to pay her rent and debt as the BC housing market soars. Lily discusses how integral family support is but also illustrates how her own internal stigma has caused her to hide a lot of her hardships from the people in her personal life. This episode was recorded on December 5, 2022.
2025-03-0332 minUnsilencing StoriesLily: Episode 4: Housing InsecurityIn this episode, you'll hear Lily talk to Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung about the extreme barriers faced in her community regarding supportive, safe and affordable housing. Lily discusses the stigmatising effects of the lack of affordability, as well as the difficulty of navigating government systems for housing support. Lily also describes her experience working in a safe supply program and how she effectively supports individuals experiencing extreme stressors in their lives. This episode was recorded on November 21, 2022.
2025-02-2443 minUnsilencing StoriesLily: Episode 3: Financial Insecurity & BurnoutIn this episode, you'll hear Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung discuss a main stressor with Lily: financial insecurity. Lily discusses how financial compensation for peer workers is often not enough compensation for the extensive shiftwork, stressful working conditions, and burnout that peers face daily. Lily discusses the difficult cycle peer workers can find themselves in as they experience burnout, struggles with financial security, and access to substances. Lily questions if peer work is a sustainable career. This episode was recorded on November 15, 2022.
2025-02-1721 minUnsilencing StoriesLily: Episode 2: Winter, Stress & BurnoutIn this episode, you'll hear Lily talk to Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung about the strain that Winter puts on both peer workers and the people they are supporting. Lily discusses de-escalation techniques, stressful situations at work, and the burnout that often accompanies peer work. Lucas and Esther also ask about Lily's work at workshops, where she discusses the importance of harm reduction in healthcare and the stigma that is prevalent in our health and social systems. This episode was recorded on November 9, 2022.
2025-02-1033 minUnsilencing StoriesLily: Episode 1: IntroductionIn this episode, you'll hear Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung interview Lily for the first time. Lily introduces herself and talks about her previous work in Supportive Housing and her current work at a Safer Supply clinic. She also discusses her personal experiences with substance use and the destabilizing effects of a time period where she was unhoused. This episode was recorded on October 31, 2022.
2025-02-0339 minUnsilencing StoriesBen: Episode 10: Final InterviewIn this episode, you'll hear Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung interview Ben for the last time, Ben discusses an upcoming workshop he's hosting about ending internalised stigma. Lucas, Esther, and Ben review the list of stressors to see if Ben has noticed any changes in how the stressors affect him and his work since the interview process began. This episode was recorded on December 13, 2022.
2025-01-2824 minUnsilencing StoriesBen: Episode 9: Death & TraumaIn this episode, you'll hear Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung interview Ben about how often he personally faces death and trauma in his work. Ben explains that it is a constant presence in his work due to the toxic drug crisis and shares some specific incidents and emphasises the importance of safe supply and accessible resources.This episode was recorded on December 12, 2022
2025-01-2738 minUnsilencing StoriesBen: Episode 8: Trauma & StressIn this episode, you'll hear Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung interview Ben about exposure to trauma and workplace stress. Ben speaks about the ongoing traumatic experiences he faces related to the toxic drug crisis, the lack of support for vulnerable populations in his community and the challenges associated with sending people away from rural areas to receive support. This episode was recorded on November 29, 2022.
2025-01-2041 minUnsilencing StoriesBen: Episode 7: Housing, Finances & ResourcesIn this episode, you'll hear Ben talk to Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung about his current living situation and the need for supportive and low-income housing. Ben also tells Esther about his overall confidence in his work and the prospects for future funding. This episode was recorded on November 22, 2022.
2025-01-1336 minUnsilencing StoriesBen: Episode 6: Conference in Vancouver & Government ResponseIn this episode, you'll hear Ben talk to Luca Akai and Esther Cheung about the positive and negative experiences he had while attending a conference in Vancouver, BC. You will also hear Ben discuss the effect local municipalities can have on peer workers efforts. This episode was recorded on November 22, 2022.
2025-01-0633 minUnsilencing StoriesBen: Episode 5: Housing, Burnout & BureaucracyIn this episode, you'll hear Ben talk to Lucas Akai and Esther Chung about how housing impacts stability, how peer workers face burnout due to the combination of the toxic drug crisis and the COVID 19 pandemic. And how bureaucracy makes it difficult to come to terms with the reality of working with active drug users.This episode was recorded on November 9, 2022.
2024-12-3042 minUnsilencing StoriesBen: Episode 4: Housing & Trauma SupportIn this episode, you'll hear Ben talk to Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung, about witnessing the effects of homelessness in his community, the importance of volunteers and the lack of societal support for addressing trauma in peer work, especially in relation to the overdose crisis. This episode was recorded on November 1, 2022
2024-12-2344 minUnsilencing StoriesBen: Episode 3: Workshop & StigmaIn this episode, you'll hear Ben tell Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung about a recently hosted workshop and its success. The workshop was focused on overcoming internalised stigma. Ben further describes how stigma is a significant issue in the community and has a detrimental impact on the drug crisis and safer supply initiatives.This episode was recorded on October 25, 2022
2024-12-1642 minUnsilencing StoriesBen: Episode 2: Accessing Resources & Financial SecurityIn this episode, you'll hear Ben talk to Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung about the challenges of referring individuals to resources in the community, including housing and safer supply. He mentions issues with timely payment for peers and limited resource options. This episode was recorded on October 18, 2022
2024-12-0937 minUnsilencing StoriesBen: Episode 1: IntroductionIn this episode, you'll hear Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung interview Ben, a peer harm reduction worker in BC for the first time, Ben introduces himself and speaks about his past and present work in harm reduction, his role as primary caregiver for his paraplegic spouse, the stigma facing drug users, and the challenges he and his partner face in accessing medical care. This episode was recorded on October 12, 2022.
2024-12-0242 minUnsilencing StoriesJuls Budau: Episode 3: Exposure to Death & TraumaIn this episode you'll hear Charisma Crystal Thomas interview Juls Budau for the last time. Juls talks about consistently facing trauma in her work and how she often feels stress from this exposure manifest physically. Juls discusses the way that trauma both motivates her to continue her work and makes her feel stress and burnout. She also shares the personal story of a death that occurred when she worked in Vancouver and how it impacted her. GlossaryBCCDC: The BC Centre for Disease ControlCAI: Community Action Initiative. Carrier Sekani Family S...
2024-11-2544 minUnsilencing StoriesJuls Budau: Episode 2: HousingIn this episode, you'll hear Charisma Crystal Thomas interview, Juls Budau about housing challenges and referring individuals to resources. Juls describes instances of people she knows being evicted from supportive housing and the lack of recourse for people in that position. She also discusses common misunderstandings about the concept of safer supply and how advocating for herself and her community can be challenging in her small community. Juls reflects on the difficulties faced when referring individuals to shelters, as well as barriers to getting individuals medical and mental health support. GlossaryBCCDC: The B...
2024-11-1846 minUnsilencing StoriesJuls Budau: Episode 1: Financial Insecurity, Respect & Recognition at WorkIn this episode, you'll hear Giorgia Ricciardi and Charisma Crystal Thomas interview Juls Budau about financial insecurity and receiving respect and recognition at work. Juls believes she is not paid highly enough for her peer work and explains that she, like many peers is paid through grant funding. Juls questions if peer work is a sustainable career or whether she will need to move into an adjacent field like social work. Juls also provides examples of times she's felt respected and disrespected while doing her job and describes the challenges of doing peer work in a small, conservative community.
2024-11-1158 minUnsilencing StoriesRyan Nielsen: Episode 7: Accessing ResourcesIn this episode, you'll hear Thomas Chanyungco and Melissa Spiridigliozzi interview Ryan Nielson for the last time. Ryan talks about the challenges of navigating bureaucracy when referring individuals to resources, particularly with health authorities, and finding individuals housing opportunities. He also discusses the way that stigma against people who use drugs and people who are unhoused creates barriers to accessing resources. Glossary:CAT: Community Action TeamCBT: Cognitive Behavioural TherapyChinatown (Vancouver, BC): A neighbourhood near Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, known for having a large unhoused population, many of whom are aff...
2024-11-0441 minUnsilencing StoriesRyan Nielsen: Episode 6: Financial InsecurityIn this episode, you'll hear Ryan Nielson talk to Thomas Chunyungco, Samantha Tsang and Melissa Spiridigliozzi about financial insecurity. He discusses the difficult balance between compensation, working beyond his regular hours, and exposure to trauma at work. Ryan describes the differences a recent promotion has made to his quality of life and how he previously had to support himself on minimum wage earnings and the correlation between financial insecurity and burnout. Glossary:CAT: Community Action TeamCBT: Cognitive Behavioural TherapyChinatown (Vancouver, BC): A neighbourhood near Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, known for...
2024-10-2842 minUnsilencing StoriesRyan Nielsen: Episode 5: Lack of Respect & Recognition at WorkIn this episode, you'll hear Ryan Nielson talk to Thomas Chunyungco and Samantha Tsang about experiencing a lack of recognition and respect in previous workplaces when being upfront about his substance use. He discusses how the attitudes of his coworkers changed towards him and how he tried to compensate by working extra hard. Ryan discusses the way that stigma against people who use drugs affected his employment, his access to healthcare resources, and the feelings of social isolation he felt as a result. Glossary:CAT: Community Action TeamCBT: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
2024-10-2146 minUnsilencing StoriesRyan Nielsen: Episode 4: Death & Trauma (Continued)In this interview, you'll hear Ryan Nielson talk to Samantha Tsang about experiencing death and trauma as a result of the opioid crisis. Ryan shares a personal story about the passing of his best friend and the psychological and emotional effects that loss had on him. Ryan also discusses experiencing the loss of several people he underwent treatment with, the consistent exposure to death through his peer work, and the challenge of providing support while also taking care of his mental health.Glossary:CAT: Community Action TeamCBT: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy...
2024-10-1434 minUnsilencing StoriesRyan Nielsen: Episode 3: Death & TraumaIn this interview, you'll hear Ryan Nielson talk to Thomas Chunyungco and Samantha Tsang about plans to bring in someone to train himself and the peers he works with about how to deal with trauma. He talks about how exposure to trauma in his past and through his work has changed him. Ryan also speaks about the challenges of working with familiar community members who are affected by the toxic opioid crisis, the importance of compassion and empathy and his work, and efforts to let new peers job shadow others with more experience before they start full time peer...
2024-10-0734 minUnsilencing StoriesRyan Nielsen: Episode 2: Housing CrisisIn this episode, you'll hear Ryan Nielson talk to Samantha Tsang about how essential it is to have stable housing and how maintaining his housing allowed him to have a safe space throughout his substance use. Ryan discusses his experience of being kicked out of his home when he was 18, the stress that comes with moving or losing housing due to rent increases, as well as the stress that he experienced while regularly working 10 to 12 hour shifts to pay for his substance use. Glossary:CAT: Community Action TeamCBT: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
2024-09-3052 minUnsilencing StoriesRyan Nielsen: Episode 1: IntroductionIn this episode, you'll hear Thomas Chunyungco and Samantha Tsang interview Ryan Nielson for the first time. Ryan introduces himself and talks about his personal experiences with substance use and how this lived experience motivates him in his peer work. He also speaks about how he was able to hide his substance use from his employers and the psychological toll substance use disorder took on him. Glossary:CAT: Community Action TeamCBT: Cognitive Behavioural TherapyChinatown (Vancouver, BC): A neighbourhood near Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, known for having a large unhoused pop...
2024-09-2332 minUnsilencing StoriesTaija McLuckie: Episode 10: DecriminalizationIn this episode, Caitlin Burritt interviews Taija McLuckie for the last time. Taija discusses the recent decriminalisation of drugs in BC, which exempts adults carrying 2.5 grammes or less of illicit drugs from being subject to arrest or criminal charges, and or, having the drug seized. She discusses the limitations of the three year pilot programme, from the small amount of illicit substances that can be carried, to the lack of consistent or mandatory training for law enforcement, to the negative effects decriminalisation has had in her community due to stigma and misunderstanding from the public. Glossary:
2024-09-1636 minUnsilencing StoriesTaija McLuckie: Episode 9: Death, Grief & Thoughts on ProjectIn this episode, Taija McLuckie talks to Caitlin Burritt about death and grief. Taija shares about the passing of her friend and her own approach to dealing with grief. She also speaks about the challenges that the holiday season presents for people who use drugs and how her lived experience helps her connect with the people in her community.Glossary:Brave COOP: The cooperative of people responsible for creating the Brave SensorBrave Sensor: An Overdose Detection tool for public bathroomsCAT: Community Action TeamDecriminalization: A three year pilot p...
2024-09-0932 minUnsilencing StoriesTaija McLuckie: Episode 8: RCMP Encounter & TriggersIn this episode, Taija McLuckie tells Caitlin Burritt and Ashley White about a recent interaction with an RCMP officer. She discusses the way the experience made her feel triggered and the support she received from our coworkers. Taija also explains the way policing effects access to local peer-led services and the repercussions that talking with police can have for people who use drugs. Glossary:Brave COOP: The cooperative of people responsible for creating the Brave SensorBrave Sensor: An Overdose Detection tool for public bathroomsCAT: Community Action TeamDecriminalization: A...
2024-09-0230 minUnsilencing StoriesTaija McLuckie: Episode 7: Stigma & TreatmentIn this episode, Taija McLuckie tells Caitlin Burritt about her experience in treatment centres and problems within the treatment system. She also discusses the role that stigma plays in recovery, the importance of including peers in the recovery process, and her early work as a peer worker. Glossary:Brave COOP: The cooperative of people responsible for creating the Brave SensorBrave Sensor: An Overdose Detection tool for public bathroomsCAT: Community Action TeamDecriminalization: A three year pilot project which began on January 31, 2023,which exempts adults carrying small amounts of i...
2024-08-2640 minUnsilencing StoriesTaija McLuckie: Episode 6: Housing Insecurity & Support at WorkIn this episode, Taija Mcluckie talks with Caitlin Burritt about housing insecurity and the amount of work she has to do outside of her main job to support herself. Taija also speaks about how supportive the organisation she works for is towards peer workers and how feeling valued at work makes her feel motivated. Glossary:Brave COOP: The cooperative of people responsible for creating the Brave SensorBrave Sensor: An Overdose Detection tool for public bathroomsCAT: Community Action TeamDecriminalization: A three year pilot project which began on January 31, 2023,wh...
2024-08-1944 minUnsilencing StoriesTaija McLuckie: Episode 5: Exposure to Death & Trauma ContinuedIn this episode, you'll hear Tajia McLuckie tell Caitlin Burritt and Ashley White about the recent passing of a friend due to a fatal overdose. She received the news the morning she was supposed to give a presentation about harm reduction to Island Health. Taija describes how supportive her current work environment is and how important it is that peers and people who use drugs feel valued instead of stigmatised. Glossary:Brave COOP: The cooperative of people responsible for creating the Brave SensorBrave Sensor: An Overdose Detection tool for public bathrooms
2024-08-1240 minUnsilencing StoriesTaija McLuckie: Episode 4: Exposure to Death & TraumaIn this episode, you'll hear Tajia McLuckie talk with Caitlin Burritt and Ashley White about facing exposure to death and trauma in her work. She tells the story of the first time she responded to an opioid overdose and the effect it had on her. Glossary:Brave COOP: The cooperative of people responsible for creating the Brave SensorBrave Sensor: An Overdose Detection tool for public bathroomsCAT: Community Action TeamDecriminalization: A three year pilot project which began on January 31, 2023,which exempts adults carrying small amounts of illicit drugs f...
2024-08-0534 minUnsilencing StoriesTaija McLuckie: Episode 3: Financial Insecurity, Tokenization & Work ExpectationsIn this episode, you'll hear Tajia McLuckie talk to Caitlin Burritt and Ashley White about financial insecurity and the lack of standard payment practices for peer workers. Tajia discusses the differences between how peers are compensated on projects compared to other experts in other fields. She also talks about how she feels lucky to do work she feels passionate about and how her passion for peer work helps her combat burnout. This episode was recorded on November 7, 2022.
2024-07-2945 minUnsilencing StoriesTaija McLuckie: Episode 2: Resources & BureaucracyIn this episode, you'll hear Tajia McLuckie tell Caitlin Burritt and Ashley White about a presentation she's preparing for Island Health and her work on the Brave Sensor Pilot Project, which aims to prevent overdose deaths through the use of a reverse motion sensor system installed in public washrooms. She also discusses the challenges of trying to match people to resources that meet their needs, and the way that peer feedback on projects is not always prioritised.Glossary:Brave COOP: The cooperative of people responsible for creating the Brave SensorBrave Sensor: A...
2024-07-2237 minUnsilencing StoriesTaija McLuckie: Episode 1: IntroductionIn this episode, you'll hear Caitlin Burritt and Ashley White interview Tajia McLuckie for the first time. Tajia introduces herself and talks about her role as a harm reduction support worker, what motivates her in her work, and the disconnect between the decisions made by policy makers and the needs of people who use drugs.Glossary:Brave COOP: The cooperative of people responsible for creating the Brave SensorBrave Sensor: An Overdose Detection tool for public bathroomsCAT: Community Action TeamDecriminalization: A three year pilot project which began on J...
2024-07-1541 minUnsilencing StoriesLenae Silva: Episode 9: Respect & Recognition at WorkIn this episode, Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung interview Lenae Silva for the final time. Lenae discusses the challenges of creating and maintaining boundaries as a peer worker, she also describes feeling like cannon fodder, because of the expectation that peers be on the frontlines of harm reduction work. Glossary:BCCDC: The BC Centre for Disease ControlCAI: Community Action InitiativeCAT: Community Action TeamCMHA: Canadian Mental Health AssociationCRA: Canada Revenue AgencyHSABC: Homelessness Services Association of BCOAT: Opioid Agonist TherapyOPS: Overdose Prevention SitePCO: Primary Care OutreachPWD: Person with Disabilities VIHA: Vancouver Island Health AuthorityThis epi...
2024-07-081h 10Unsilencing StoriesLenae Silva: Episode 8: Exposure to Death & TraumaIn this episode, you'll hear Lenae Silva talk to Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung about exposure to trauma. Lenae talks about a recent experience where she saw a child receiving Methadone treatment and how it made her reflect on her past. Lucas, Esther and Lenae begin to review the stressors and Lenae discusses how her financial situation has gotten worse. Lenae also explains that she considers the public's fear of drugs and people who use drugs to be a prevalent stressor that is not talked about.Glossary:BCCDC: The BC Centre for Disease ControlCAI...
2024-07-0151 minUnsilencing StoriesLenae Silva: Episode 7: Exposure to Death, Trauma & StressIn this episode, you’ll hear Lenae Silva talk to Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung about the impact of death and trauma on peer workers. Lenae discusses the amount of loss and trauma faced by her community and how this stress has resulted in PTSD and impacted her substance use.Glossary:BCCDC: The BC Centre for Disease ControlCAI: Community Action InitiativeCAT: Community Action TeamCMHA: Canadian Mental Health AssociationCRA: Canada Revenue AgencyHSABC: Homelessness Services Association of BCOAT: Opioid Agonist TherapyOPS: Overdose Prevention SitePCO: Primary Care OutreachPWD: Person with Disabilities VIHA: Vancouver Island Health AuthorityThis...
2024-06-2446 minUnsilencing StoriesLenae Silva: Episode 6: HousingIn this episode, you’ll hear Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung interview Lenae about her precarious housing situation and its impact on her career as a peer worker. She explains how housing instability, combined with insufficient pay, creates fear and anxiety for her on a daily basis.Glossary:BCCDC: The BC Centre for Disease ControlCAI: Community Action InitiativeCAT: Community Action TeamCMHA: Canadian Mental Health AssociationCRA: Canada Revenue AgencyHSABC: Homelessness Services Association of BCOAT: Opioid Agonist TherapyOPS: Overdose Prevention SitePCO: Primary Care OutreachPWD: Person with Disabilities VIHA: Vancouver Island Health AuthorityThis interview was reco...
2024-06-1728 minUnsilencing StoriesLenae Silva: Episode 5: Stigma & BurnoutIn this episode, you’ll hear Lenae Silva talk to Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung about her new trajectory in peer work, as she is feeling burned out and unfulfilled. Lenae discusses the stigma she experiences as someone who uses substances, and how she feels this leads to lack of respect in the workplace. Glossary:BCCDC: The BC Centre for Disease ControlCAI: Community Action InitiativeCAT: Community Action TeamCMHA: Canadian Mental Health AssociationCRA: Canada Revenue AgencyHSABC: Homelessness Services Association of BCOAT: Opioid Agonist TherapyOPS: Overdose Prevention SitePCO: Primary Care OutreachPWD: Person with Disabilities VIHA: Vancouver Islan...
2024-06-1044 min
20th Century Medical AnthropologyTHE UNSILENCING: ED & TONY | EYEWITNESS ROUNDTABLEListen now | Our conversations with THE UNSILENCING eyewitnesses has taken us from America’s heartland to the concrete jungle of Manhattan, from sunny L.A. to the shores of Fire Island, from the poolside to the discos, to childhood homes, and THE UNSILENCING is a series about traveling to lost times. When we visit the past, we can begin to see it or understand it in new ways. These deeper insights allow us to uncover truths about our present, because the future and past are always in conversation with each other, whether we are aware of it or not. TH...
2024-06-0600 minUnsilencing StoriesLenae Silva: Episode 4: Financial Compensation, Work & StressIn this episode, you’ll hear Lenae Silva talk to Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung about the lack of standardized financial compensation for paying peer workers. Lenae discusses the importance of fair payment and the need for flexible scheduling and work environments for people who use substances. Lenae also explores the lack of clear job descriptions for peer workers and the lack of career advancement opportunities.Glossary:BCCDC: The BC Centre for Disease ControlCAI: Community Action InitiativeCAT: Community Action TeamCMHA: Canadian Mental Health AssociationCRA: Canada Revenue AgencyHSABC: Homelessness Services Association of BCOAT: Opioid Agonist The...
2024-06-0354 minUnsilencing StoriesLenae Silva: Episode 3: BurnoutIn this episode, you'll hear Lenae Silva talk to Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung about her personal substance use and how it affects her daily life. Lenae discusses how personal stressors can create burnout as a peer worker, and how she manages that burnout to continue her work. Glossary:BCCDC: The BC Centre for Disease ControlCAI: Community Action InitiativeCAT: Community Action TeamCMHA: Canadian Mental Health AssociationCRA: Canada Revenue AgencyHSABC: Homelessness Services Association of BCOAT: Opioid Agonist TherapyOPS: Overdose Prevention SitePCO: Primary Care OutreachPWD: Person with Disabilities VIHA: Vancouver Island Health AuthorityThis episode was...
2024-05-2753 minUnsilencing StoriesLenae Silva: Episode 2: Tokenization & BurnoutIn this episode, you'll hear Lenae Silva talk to Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung about tokenism and representation as a peer worker. Lenae talks about the continued focus on peer workers trauma, which does not provide a wider view of their lives and careers. They discuss how this leads to burnout and a lack of upward trajectory for peer workers in their careers. Glossary:BCCDC: The BC Centre for Disease ControlCAI: Community Action InitiativeCAT: Community Action TeamCMHA: Canadian Mental Health AssociationCRA: Canada Revenue AgencyHSABC: Homelessness Services Association of BCOAT: Opioid Agonist TherapyOPS: Overdose Prevention S...
2024-05-2039 minUnsilencing StoriesLenae Silva: Episode 1: IntroductionIn this episode, you'll hear Lucas Akai and Esther Cheung interview Lenae Silva for the first time. They discuss the impact of Covid-19 on peer workers’ careers and personal lives, as well as the increased need for harm reduction workers. Lenae also discusses the lack of career development offered to peer workers and how this is a major barrier to those working in this field.Glossary:BCCDC: The BC Centre for Disease ControlCAI: Community Action InitiativeCAT: Community Action TeamCMHA: Canadian Mental Health AssociationCRA: Canada Revenue AgencyHSABC: Homelessness Services Association of BCOAT: Opioid Agon...
2024-05-1343 min
HERE COMES THE BACKKLASHTHE UNSILENCING: ED & TONY | EYEWITNESS ROUNDTABLEOur conversations with THE UNSILENCING eyewitnesses thus far have taken us from America’s heartland to the concrete jungle of Manhattan, from sunny L.A. to the shores of Fire Island, from the poolside to the discos, to childhood homes, and to hospital bedsides.THE UNSILENCING is a series about traveling to lost times. When we visit the past, we can begin to see it or understand it in new ways. These deeper insights allow us to uncover truths about our present, because the future and past are always in conversation with each other, whether we...
2024-04-261h 57
HERE COMES THE BACKKLASHTHE UNSILENCING: Man ParrishThe world that birthed Man Parrish, the NYC underground (of the late 70’s - early 1980s) has long been a source of great fascination for me. The high octane, bodyrocking sound of 80s electro is truly a source of power and inspiration. Man Parrish is amongst the greats, a godfather of contemporary dance music culture. This alone makes him a fitting guest for backklash, but it was something more specific that brought him to The Unsilencing, our mini-series devoted to highlighting the secret histories of 1980s gay men’s health crisis. In Tim Lawrence’s epic t...
2024-02-122h 1220th Century Medical AnthropologyTHE UNSILENCING: Ep. 3, Eyewitness 2: Tony's StoryBACKKLASH: THE UNSILENCING is a series devoted to uncovering stories and voices from eyewitnesses and whistleblowers that support an alternative narrative surrounding the AIDS crisis.In this episode, Nick Petosky and Poolhouse sit down with Tony, a NYC native and survivor of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Tony’s story is one of survival, strength, and triumph. Each anecdote he shares is instructive, as he dripping with a type of wisdom that only can be attained through perseverance in the face of near-certain death.
2023-12-0900 min
HERE COMES THE BACKKLASHBACKKLASH: THE UNSILENCING | Eyewitness #2: Tony's StoryBACKKLASH: THE UNSILENCING is a series devoted to uncovering stories and voices from eyewitnesses and whistleblowers that support an alternative narrative surrounding the AIDS crisis.In this episode, Nick Petosky and Poolhouse sit down with Tony, a NYC native and survivor of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Tony’s story is one of survival, strength, and triumph. Each anecdote he shares is instructive, as he dripping with a type of wisdom that only can be attained through perseverance in the face of near-certain death. Like our previous guest, Ed, there were numerous times where it seemed li...
2023-12-081h 49
HERE COMES THE BACKKLASHBACKKLASH: THE UNSILENCING | Wikisode #1: The Strecker MemorandumThis episode shines a little light on the shadowy operations carried out across a honeycomb network of military research. Because this the heart of the The Strecker Memorandum: allegations about experimental research carried out by post-war international scientific brotherhood–and the public health crisis which subsequently transpired.The Strecker Group's publications make an urgent and impassioned plea to alert the public. Those calls fell on deaf ears in the late 80s when Strecker emerged, and the establishment worked swiftly to ensure his reach was limited and combatted with categorical denials from CDC PR flunkies.But al...
2023-11-0937 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 30: Shane Matthis Remembers his Friend ScottyIn this episode, you’ll hear Colin Goddard interviewing Shane Mathis in Cranbrook, B.C. about Matthis' friend Scotty from Windermere, B.C., who died of liver disease related to alcoholism.
2023-03-2615 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 29: Cameron Gauthier in Cranbrook, B.C. Remembers his UncleIn this episode, you will hear Cameron Westcott interviewing Cameron Gauthier in Cranbrook B.C. about Gauthier's uncle who experienced a fatal opioid overdose.
2023-03-2607 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 28: Peter Eugene in Cranbrook, B.C. Discusses his own Non-Fatal Opioid OverdoseIn this episode, you will hear Joseph Unterschute and Peter Eugene speaking in Cranbrook, B.C. about Peter’s experience with his own non-fatal opioid overdose.
2023-03-2604 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 27: Joseph Unterschute in Cranbrook, B.C. Remembers his Cousin TravisIn this episode, you will hear Peter Eugene speaking with Joseph Unterschute in Cranbrook, B.C. about Joseph’s cousin Travis Paxton who experienced a fatal overdose.
2023-03-2607 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 24: Sydnee Traska in Cranbrook, B.C. Remembers her UncleIn this episode, you will hear Clinton Gravelle interviewing Sydnee Traska in Cranbrook, B.C. about her uncle who experienced a fatal overdose.
2023-03-2509 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 26: Myles Toddington in Cranbrook, B.C. Remembers his Friend SteveIn this episode, you will hear Bowe McDonald speaking with Myles Toddington in Cranbrook, B.C. about Myle’s friend Steve who experienced a fatal opioid overdose.
2023-03-2508 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 25: Bowe McDonald in Cranbrook, B.C. Remembers his Friend JohnIn this episode, you will hear Myles Toddington and Bowe McDonald speaking in Cranbrook, B.C. about Bowe’s friend John who experienced a fatal opioid overdose at age 22.
2023-03-2516 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 23: Clinton Gravelle in Cranbrook, B.C. Remembers his CousinIn this episode, you will hear Sydnee Trasca interviewing Clinton Gravelle in Cranbrook, B.C. about his cousin who died from an opioid overdose.
2023-03-2509 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 22: Jaime Berg in Cranbrook, B.C. Remembers her Ex-Partner TimothyIn this episode, you will hear Cory Hirt interviewing Jaime Berg in Cranbrook, B.C. about her ex-partner Timothy Atkinson who died from an opioid overdose in Edmonton, Alberta.
2023-03-2518 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 18: Roland Soobotin Remembers his Friend FrankIn this episode you will hear Santana Jones speaking with Roland Soobotin in Cranbrook B.C. about his childhood friend, Frank, who died of alcoholism at age 49.
2023-03-2505 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 21: Colin Goddard in Cranbrook, B.C. Remembers a FriendIn this episode, you will hear Shane Mathis interviewing Colin Goddard in Cranbrook, B.C. about his friend who died from an opioid overdose or drug-related accident.
2023-03-2515 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 17: Stacey Andrew in Cranbrook, B.C. Remembers her Ex-BoyfriendIn this episode you will hear Rihanna Lopez speaking with Stacey Andrew in Cranbrook B.C. about Stacey's ex-boyfriend who experienced a fatal overdose.
2023-03-2508 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 16: Amy Goodon in Cranbrook, B.C. Remembers her friend BrendanIn this episode, you will hear Ben Vanloon speaking with Amy Goodon in Cranbrook, B.C. about her friend Brendan who experienced a fatal opioid overdose.
2023-03-2513 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 20: Marianne Ryan in Cranbrook, B.C. Remembers her Friend JarredIn this episode, you will hear Jerome Desmarchais-Vogt speaking with Marianne Ryan in Cranbrook B.C. about her friend Jarred who both died from an opioid overdose.
2023-03-2521 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 19: Santana Jones Remembers her Ex-Partner CraigIn this episode, you will hear Roland Soobotin speaking with Santana Jones in Cranbrook B.C. about her ex-partner, Craig, who died of an opioid overdose at age 28.
2023-03-2508 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 15: Juls Budau in Prince George, B.C. Remembers Her Friend Blair LaurenIn this episode, you'll hear Rachael McKerracher in Fort St. James, B.C., speaking with Juls Budau, a harm reduction worker based in Prince George, B.C..Budau speaks about their mutual friend, Blair Lauren, who died at age 34 in Montreal, QC in November 2021.
2023-03-1925 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 11: Ramsey Whitfield in Prince George, B.C. Remembers His Friend RileyIn this episode, you’ll hear Loriana Cahoose speaking with Ramsey Whitfield in Prince George, B.C. about his friend Riley who experienced a fatal overdose at age 38.
2023-03-1809 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 13: Shauna Russell in Prince George, B.C. Remembers Her FriendIn this episode, you’ll hear Stephanie Norton speaking with Shauna Russell in Prince George, B.C. about her friend who experienced a fatal overdose in 2016.
2023-03-1813 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 12: Stephanie Norton in Prince George, B.C. Remembers Her Former PartnerIn this episode, you’ll hear Shauna Russell speaking with Stephanie Norton in Prince George, B.C. about Stephanie’s former partner who experienced a fatal overdose.
2023-03-1813 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 14: Monique Gognou Remembers Her BrotherIn this episode, you’’ll hear Terrance West speaking with Monique Gognou in Prince George, B.C. about her brother who died from an opioid overdose at age 42.
2023-03-1804 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 9: Curtis Rajacich Remembers His Friend MichaelIn this episode, you’’ll hear Lisa Gundlach speaking with Curtis Rajacich about his friend Michael who experienced a fatal overdose at age 41.
2023-03-1808 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 10: Rachael McKerracher in Fort St. James, B.C. Remembers Her Friend Blair LaurenIn this episode, you'll hear Juls Budau, a harm reduction worker based in Prince George, B.C., speaking with her friend Rachael McKerracher in Fort St. James, B.C.McKerracher remembers their mutual friend Blair Lauren who died at age 34 in Montreal, QC in November 2021.
2023-03-1819 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 8: Lisa Gundlach in Prince George, B.C. Remembers Her Friend EdmondIn this episode, you’’ll hear Curtis Rajacich speaking with Lisa Gundlach about her friend Edmond who died from a fatal overdose.
2023-03-1808 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 7: Taija McLuckie in Courtenay, B.C. Remembers Her Cousin BrandonIn this episode, you’ll hear Tiffany Vaughan interviewing Taija McLuckie who lives in Courtenay, B.C. about her cousin Brandon who experienced a fatal overdose at age 26.
2023-02-2319 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 6: Tiffany Vaughan Remembers Her Brother CoryIn this episode, you’ll hear Taija McLuckie interviewing Tiffany Vaughan who lives in Turney Valley, Alberta about her brother Cory who experienced a fatal overdose in October 2021 in Medicine Hat, Alberta at age 48. Tiffany's podcast, Hard Beautiful Journey
2023-02-2319 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 5: Charlene Vermeer and Elizabeth Sawatzky in Chilliwack, B.C. Remember Their Son and Partner, Kevin Sawatzky.In this episode of Unsilencing Stories, you will hear Charlene Vermeer and Elizabeth Sawatzky in Chilliwack, B.C, remember their son and partner, Kevin Sawatzky, who experienced a fatal opioid overdose in June 2020, two weeks before he would have turned 46.
2023-01-2312 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 1: Kym Porter in Medicine Hat, Alberta Remembers her Son NeilIn this episode of Unsilencing Stories, you’ll hear Kari Ursulescu interviewing Kym Porter in Medicine Hat, Alberta about her son Neil Balmer, who died from fentanyl poisoning at age 31 in 2016.
2023-01-1328 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 2: Kari Ursulescu in Medicine Hat, Alberta Remembers her Partner Riley DawsonIn this episode of Unsilencing Stories, you’ll hear Kym Porter interviewing Kari Ursulescu in Medicine Hat, Alberta about her partner Riley Dawson who experienced a fatal opioid overdose in 2016.
2023-01-1330 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 3: Rhonda Watt speaks with Tamerel Richard in Lloydminster, Alta about her brother Tyrone HickeyIn this episode, you’ll hear Rhonda Watt speaking with Tamerel Richard in Lloydminster, Alta. about her brother Tyrone Hickey.
2023-01-1310 minUnsilencing StoriesEpisode 4: Rhonda Watt in Lloydminster, Alta. remembers her son EricIn this episode of Unsilencing Stories, you’ll hear Tamerel Richard speaking with Rhonda Watt Rhonda Watt in Lloydminster, Alta. about her son Eric
2023-01-1312 min
Radiolab Podcasts (Radiolab)The UnsilencingMultiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, even psoriasis — these are diseases in which the body begins to attack itself, and they all have one thing in common: they affect women more than men. Most autoimmune disorders do. And not just by a little bit, often by a lot; in some cases, as much as sixteen times more. But why? On today’s episode, we talk to scientists trying to answer that question. We go back 100 million years, to when our placenta first evolved and consider how it might have shaped our immune system. We dive deep into the genome, to star...
2021-08-2600 min
On the Path with Cheryl NembhardS2| EP17 PREY TELL - The Unsilencing of Women's Voices w/ Tiffany BluhmSend us a textWelcome to 'On the Path' w/ Cheryl Nembhard!A podcast filled to the brim w/ encouragement, inspiration, interviews + life lessons to ignite you in your faith, push you in your purpose and challenge you to be exactly who you are called to be...a World Changer!We're continuing our celebrations of Womens History Month and all month long I'm speaking with some of my personal Sheroes who are making Herstory globally! This week, I'm speaking with the incredible Tiffany Bluhm -Best Selling Author, Speaker & Women's Advocate! I'm so e...
2021-03-1641 min
The Limerick Voice - Podcasts'Unsilencing Black Voices' documentary makers discuss their filmUniversity of Limerick students, Sandrine Ndahiro and Cathy Osikoya chat to Limerick Voice's Katie Flannery about their 'Unsilencing Black Voices' documentary, which aired at the Dublin Arts and Human Rights Festival yesterday.
2020-10-1929 min
UCL Institute of Advanced StudiesUnsilencing the Haitian Revolution and Refiguring Toussaint LouvertureHow did drama and history-writing shape James’s multiple accounts of the Haitian Revolution? This paper follows the revision trail of the genesis and evolution of James’s The Black Jacobins history and other Haitian Revolution-related writings, charting his evolving interest in the leadership of Toussaint Louverture against the backdrop of his Marxist political path. Building on Michel-Rolph Trouillot’s idea of the active and transitive process of “silencing the past” of the Haitian Revolution, this paper reads James’s own process of making history and drama as an equally active and transitive reverse process of unsilencing the past. How does James u...
2019-12-0253 min